Associations warn because of the energy crisis: “Hundreds of companies and thousands of workers” will lose their livelihood
Created: 09/16/2022, 14:44
By: Lucas Maier
Many companies are suffering from the energy crisis.
The situation in the beverage industry has gotten so bad that it is now turning to the government.
Berlin – High gas prices, increases in electricity and raw materials: the crisis continues to have Germany firmly in its grip.
Now an industry that hasn't made much of an impact so far is sounding the alarm.
Several representatives from the beverage industry have made a call for help to the government and the public under the motto "Act before it's too late".
Many parts of the beverage industry have been suffering since the beginning of the Corona crisis.
The energy crisis is now exacerbating the situation again, as stated in the statement by the associations.
Energy crisis in Germany: Associations attack the state directly
Too few bridging aids from the state are a point of criticism from the
associations of the German beverage industry.
In order to make the future safer, the associations have named five areas in which they believe there is an urgent need for action.
Without rapid state intervention and without effective aid, hundreds of companies and thousands of employees will lose their livelihoods in the German beverage industry alone.
Associations of the German beverage industry
The associations criticize the "relief package" decided by the federal government at the beginning of September as "far from sufficient to relieve the affected companies substantially and in a timely manner".
One hope in the industry is that support will not be limited to loans again, because the question of time in companies is currently that of "economic survival" and not that of new investments.
Beverage industry with their backs to the wall: Only very few produce to cover costs
The energy crisis is currently also having a direct impact on the beverage industry.
Due to the current market prices and the levy that has meanwhile started, it is only possible for a few companies to produce at a cost-covering rate, the associations criticize.
The five main demands of the beverage industry at a glance
Energy:
"Affordable and secure supply of gas and electricity"
Carbonic acid:
"Ensure the supply of carbon dioxide"
Delivery:
"Reliable logistics and secure supply chains"
Critical infrastructure:
"Food industry as critical infrastructure"
Less bureaucracy:
"moratorium on burdens instead of even more bureaucracy"
Source: The associations of the German beverage industry
However, the associations welcome the decision of the traffic light coalition to expand the energy cost containment program.
Another point that is currently burdening the beverage industry is the shortage of carbon dioxide.
The associations complain that the amount of carbon dioxide available on the market is currently only 30 to 40 percent.
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Energy crisis in Germany: Associations are also committed to other branches
But not only the beverage industry is affected by the current crisis.
As the associations make clear, there are also problems in the transport and logistics industry, which in turn affects the beverage industry.
Therefore, the associations of the German beverage industry are also demanding support for these companies.
In addition to the general shortage of petrol and diesel, the shortage of the urea "AdBlue" makes matters worse.
Energy crisis in Germany: The beverage industry is now also sounding the alarm.
(Archive photo) © Jan Woitas/dpa
Professions and sectors of the economy that are essential for maintaining life in Germany are summarized as critical infrastructure.
Nursing and medical professions are among them, for example, but also the food industry.
The
beverage industry associations
are now calling for this status to be granted to "the entire food industry and its supply chains".
Critical infrastructure companies are given preferential consideration when it comes to energy supply.
Less Burdens Due to Energy Crisis: Trying to Avoid Duties?
The associations have named a “moratorium on stress” as the fifth and final demand.
What is meant by this is a suspension of certain obligations to which the companies are actually obliged.
Postponements are being requested for “documentation, testing, certification and auditing obligations”, among other things.
"More and more companies have their backs to the wall." It remains to be seen whether the federal government will take this final word to heart and listen to the demands of the German beverage industry associations.
(Lucas Maier)