Germans Face Big Energy Levy But Government Vows Aid
Sumaira FH Published August 15, 2022 | 08:42 PM
German households face an energy surcharge reaching hundreds of euros in the wake of the Ukraine war, according to the rate published Monday, prompting the government to promise relief measures
Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Aug, 2022 ) :German households face an energy surcharge reaching hundreds of Euros in the wake of the Ukraine war, according to the rate published Monday, prompting the government to promise relief measures.
The charge has been set at 2.419 cents per kilowatt hour, said Trading Hub Europe, a non-profit company of energy network operators in Germany.
For a family of four with an annual average energy usage of 20,000 kwh, this would come to about 483.80 euros ($493.70) before goods and services taxes.
The surcharge is aimed at sharing out the soaring costs borne by energy importers after Russia drastically curtailed gas supplies to Germany following its invasion of Ukraine.
Gas importers have so far taken on the additional costs themselves, but a new rule agreed by the government allows them to pass on ballooning costs via the levy to households from October 1.
"It is by no means an easy step to take, but it is necessary to maintain the heating and energy supply in households and the economy," said Economy Minister Robert Habeck.
He promised that the "levy will be accompanied by another relief package", details of which are still being discussed.
Germany has been scrambling to find alternative energy sources to plug the gap left by Russia.
Europe's export giant had based its economic model on "dependence on cheap Russian gas", noted Habeck.
"It is a political mistake to make oneself dependent on a potentate who tramples on people and citizens ... and to free oneself from this and regain" control is worthwhile, stressed the minister.
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates that the surcharge will send Germany's already soaring inflation rate up by another 0.9 percentage points.
Chemical and pharmaceutical companies would have to fork out three billion euros more for the levy, said industry association VCI, which acknowledged it as a necessary but "extremely bitter pill" to swallow.
The state has had to inject billions of euros in energy giant Uniper to prevent it from going under after it was hit by Russia's energy cuts.
Major energy group RWE has however said that as a "financially strong and robust company", it will waive the surcharge and continue to bear the additional import costs itself.
The group last week reported profits reaching 1.57 billion euros for the first half of the year.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
Finance minister reviews progress on FBR digitalization
Israeli-fired unexploded bombs could take 14 years to clear: UN
US stocks rebound on tech earnings, London hits new record
At least 10 people killed in Brazil fire: officials
More Stories From World
-
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
12 minutes ago -
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
2 minutes ago -
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
2 minutes ago -
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
10 minutes ago -
Israeli-fired unexploded bombs could take 14 years to clear: UN
2 minutes ago -
At least 10 people killed in Brazil fire: officials
2 hours ago
-
Team from Gaza mediator Egypt arrives in Israel for truce talks
2 hours ago -
Kenya flood death toll since March climbs to 70
2 hours ago -
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
2 hours ago -
Junta-led Burkina Faso suspends BBC, Voice of America for two weeks
3 hours ago -
Romania court opens way for start of influencer Tate's trial
3 hours ago -
Kenya flood death toll since March climbs to 70
3 hours ago