Habeck calls for a joint effort in the gas crisis

Created: 07/28/2022, 12:31 p.m

Robert Habeck (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

© Soeren Stache/dpa

Economics Minister Robert Habeck has called on citizens and companies to join forces in the gas crisis.

"We can all make a contribution and we all make a contribution, unless we close our eyes and ears," said the Green politician on Thursday after a visit to the Bad Lauchstädt energy park in Saxony-Anhalt when asked when he would Contingency level in the gas contingency plan with a need to pull gas rationing.

Bad Lauchstädt - "People want to help, Germany helps - itself and the companies.

And efforts have also been made in Europe to take joint steps.” If gas consumption were brought down and energy saved, more leeway would be created for avoiding “uncomfortable steps”, according to Habeck.

"And we're also saving money, each and every one of us." Russia had further throttled supplies through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline.

In order to help gas importers financially, sharply increased prices for the procurement of replacement gas will be passed on to all gas customers in the form of a levy from autumn.

Habeck said the surcharge is possible for all companies that have to replace Russian gas volumes.

"Of course, this will then have to be proven and it will also be recalculated.

So we will prevent any mess from happening there."

The levy is a relief signal for companies.

Habeck said he expected the pay-as-you-go mechanism to calm the market and stabilize businesses.

dpa