Carinthia’s industry in the stranglehold of energy costs. Electricity consumes more money than wages and salaries. Politicians are called to action. Otherwise there is a risk of short-time work and closures.
It sounds more than dramatic when only four Carinthian entrepreneurs describe the effects of exploding energy prices.
Gas costs have increased tenfold
The Wietersdorfer Holding for example; gas costs have increased from nine to 90 million, coal has become 80 million more expensive, everything is beaten by electricity, which has increased from 40 to 250 euros per megawatt hour and could go up to 500 …
Factory closures, unemployment, inflation and more feared
“What we are experiencing is a classic market failure that is pushing European industry against the wall,” complains CEO Michael Junghans, fearing short-time working, factory closures, unemployment and inflation. Just like his colleagues from Chemie Brückl and Treibacher Industrie AG (TIAG), whose factories consume a lot of energy, but whose products are used everywhere. “At the moment we can still pass on part of the price increases,” says TIAG CEO Rene Haberl.
At Manfred Ebenberger of Donauchemie, electricity costs now account for two thirds of the total costs – five times as much as the personnel costs.
Politicians must finally act
Industry chairman Timo Springer calls on politicians to take action; in Austria, but especially in the EU. With price caps, subsidies, a protective shield, preparation for short-time work. “They’ve all slept through it so far.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
