The Economics Minister wants to relieve households.
(Photo: imago images/IP3press)
Berlin In response to rising energy prices, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) has announced a new federal government relief package. The price increases in the entire energy sector are overwhelming for many people, said the Economics and Climate Protection Minister of the German Press Agency in Berlin. “Extremely high heating costs, extremely high electricity prices, extremely high fuel prices put a strain on households, and the lower the income, the more. The federal government will therefore launch another relief package.”
The Russian attack is driving up fossil energy prices, explained Habeck. “And all because fear of energy shortages and speculation are heating up the price spiral.” He announced three criteria for the new measures.
Firstly, there must be simplifications for electricity, heat and mobility, the minister explained. “It is precisely the high heating costs that are overwhelming many families.” The Federal Ministry of Economics estimates that the gas bill for an average family in an unrenovated single-family house will rise by around 2,000 euros in the current year.
Secondly, energy efficiency and savings are also needed, such as reducing consumption when driving or replacing gas heaters, said Habeck. Thirdly, further market-based impulses are necessary, so that the following applies: “the more efficient, the lower the costs”.
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Habeck emphasized: “These three criteria must be reflected in the relief package.” In this respect, the proposals of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) fell a little short. “The government will now quickly and constructively put together the overall package in a work process.”
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According to a media report, Lindner wants to get a state tank subsidy on the way. The amount has not yet been determined, reported the “Bild” newspaper on Sunday evening. The FDP politician is therefore planning that the amount should be deducted when paying at the gas station.
Since the start of the Ukraine war a good two weeks ago, fuel prices have increased dramatically. Since then, diesel has increased in price by almost 66 cents per liter, and E10 by a good 45 cents.
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