Energy prices as a driver of inflation – salzburg.ORF.at
Business
The massive increase in energy prices is now being felt painfully in Salzburg’s consumers. This is shown by the first statements that were sent out in the middle of the year. Above all, the price increase for gas causes horror among many customers.
Energy costs are currently the inflation driver par excellence. This particularly affects those who heat with gas, says Christian Obermoser, a consumer advocate from the Salzburg Chamber of Labour, and cites the likely additional costs for an 80 square meter apartment heated with gas as an example.
“Existing customers have to record additional costs of 200 to 240 euros. But if customers now have to look for a new provider for various reasons, we’re talking about 800 euros just for gas,” says Obermoser.
Quadruple gas costs for 90 square meter apartment
A tenant of a 90 square meter apartment in the city of Salzburg reported to the ORF that his monthly payment on account for gas has increased from 44 to 191 euros – this corresponds to more than quadrupling. However, energy costs have generally increased enormously, says Obermoser.
“Here we are at increases of up to 30 percent over the course of the year.” An end to this price increase is not in sight. “If prices continue to develop like this, many will be in trouble,” emphasizes Obermoser. The consumer advocate warns that this would by no means only affect low-income households, but increasingly also the middle class.