It doesn’t feel that way for the end user, given the high prices, but energy prices did not rise further in April. This applies to the monthly comparison with March, in which some products such as heating oil were even cheaper according to the energy price index (EPI). However, compared to last year, the situation is different: heating oil is still twice as expensive as in 2021. Premium petrol and electricity were cheaper this year in April than in March, but premium petrol cost almost 40 percent more and electricity 8.5 percent more than in the previous year.
The entire energy price index has even fallen slightly compared to the previous month, but shows an increase of about 40 percent on an annual basis. Above all, natural gas (plus 70 percent) and diesel (plus 56 percent) currently cost significantly more than a year ago. Pellets were a third more expensive than a year ago and 6.6 percent more expensive than a month ago, the price of firewood rose about 20 percent year-on-year and 3.5 percent month-on-month.
Tank filling of 50 liters in April four euros cheaper than in March
Those who fill up on premium petrol paid about 85 euros in April for a 50-litre tank filling – that is about four euros less than in March, but still 25 euros more than a year earlier. Diesel continued to cost more than premium gasoline in April and there was no month-over-month price drop.
Refueling in Austria is relatively cheap compared to other European countries
Despite the high increase, refueling in Austria was still cheap in a European comparison, according to the EPI. In the neighboring countries of the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany, but also in holiday destinations such as France and Greece, diesel, but usually also premium petrol, cost more in April.
Franz Angerer, General Director of the Austrian Energy Agency, calls for support measures that are “socially accurate and at the same time do not conflict with climate protection”. The measures should also not stimulate demand, as it is clear that energy savings must be made “to gain independence from Russia and also to meet the climate goals”.
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.