Higher energy costs cause particular problems for small and medium-sized businesses in Upper Austria. But government help is still a long way off. The uncertainty is great – from the baker to the hairdresser to the meat processor.
“Many entrepreneurs are panicking. The situation can quickly become a conflagration,” said Doris Hummer, president of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce, in an intentionally calm voice. the slowdown in government support contribute to the rest.Small and medium-sized businesses in particular are groaning under the burden.
Andreas Haider, head of the UNI Group (Unimarkt, Nah&Frisch) filed a complaint with politicians weeks ago: “Don’t forget the small retailers.” But the situation is not just dramatic for them. “One is quickly in the loss zone, that does not go well for long,” says efko boss Klaus Hraby.
An energy cost cap for companies would not necessitate price increases in many sectors. “That would be a bottom-up inflation brake,” Hraby says.
Electricity, rent, raw materials – everything is getting more expensive
Bakery Brandl in Linz expects electricity costs to double from January. For Sonnberg Biofleisch, electricity will cost four times as much from the turn of the year as it does now. “This increase alone swallows up most of our operating profit,” says boss Manfred Huber, who therefore needs to “raise product prices significantly” in the fall so that “we don’t get into trouble.”
The rise in food and raw material prices hit fresh supplier Kröswang enormously. He argues for ‘planning certainty’. Hairdresser Peter Fuchs also feels the high energy costs due to rent increases: “That is an enormous challenge.” Bakery specialist Robert Guschlbauer is concerned: electricity and gas costs have increased by three to four times.
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.
