The energy crisis is spreading more and more: This is what consumers and companies are now facing

The rise in energy prices does not seem to be ending.

This hits both end users and companies hard.

Munich - Energy prices in Germany are rising - and they are currently very rapidly.

If you want a warm apartment and drive to work every day, you have to dig deeper into your pocket now.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, the price of heating oil rose by 76.5 percent in September compared to the previous year.

Driving was also becoming more expensive.

Fuel now costs 28.4 percent more.

Energy crisis: that's why prices are rising

The large price increase can be explained by an imbalance between supply and demand.

With the relaxation of the Corona regulations, the economy in Germany will also pick up again, production will increase and with it the energy demand.

In addition, experts refer to stricter environmental requirements.

Because energy suppliers and factories have to buy so-called EU emission rights when they emit carbon dioxide.

And these rights have also become more expensive.

Actually a good thing, but now these price increases are also reaching more and more consumers.

Another sticking point in the energy price rally is Russia.

Because the country around ruler Vladimir Putin is noticeably supplying little gas.

Experts suspect that Russia wants to increase the pressure on the German government in order to accelerate the start of the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2.

In addition, increased demand from the Asian region is driving prices up.

This is how the price rally is affecting consumers

Consumers are among the greatest victims of the energy crisis.

As the comparison

reports, the costs for heating, electricity and fuel are at their highest level since 2012. Now the first companies are drawing conclusions.

The energy giant E.on has just announced on its website that it will no longer accept any new private natural gas customers for the time being.

The Federal Director of the German Tenants' Association warned the Federal Association of Consumer Centers: “Tenants suffer from the highest electricity prices in Europe, the current price hikes on the oil and gas market and the full CO2 price levy for heating and hot water.

Without countermeasures by the new government, there is a risk of ancillary costs exploding. "

In addition, the association recommends considering switching electricity and gas providers now.

If a price increase has been announced, consumers can terminate current contracts within 14 days.

But how should it go on now?

Now it's up to politics.

Heating subsidies would be offered to relieve consumers.

But whether and when these could come is currently open.

Companies also suffer from the consequences

Not only private customers have to pay for energy. A number of companies are also badly affected by the rising prices. In the

, the head of the Austrian Institute for Economic Research Gabriel Felbermayr warned of the serious consequences for the global economy. “If a harsh winter comes, industrial plants that rely on gas as a raw material may have to be shut down. That would worsen the already difficult situation of the industry ”.

The energy-intensive steel industry in particular is already struggling with the consequences.

The second largest German steel group Salzgitter is

already considering production

at its Peine site

, according to

.

There, scrap steel is melted using so-called electric arc furnaces.

The ever increasing electricity prices are now becoming a major problem here.

The Swiss Steel Group is also examining surcharges.

"Even the stop of production or the relocation of shifts are conceivable at short notice," said the Swiss Steel boss to

.