Energy prices in Austria have been rising rapidly for months. But the end of the road seems not yet reached, warns former chancellor and current energy manager Christian Kern. After all, the enormous price increases in wholesale have not yet reached the end consumer: “A tsunami is coming towards us”, he sees a more urgent need for action.
Clearly a war crime in a criminal war of aggression, Kern condemned the events in Ukraine in the ORF program “Im Zentrum”. That is why it is also necessary to support Ukraine.
No sanctions in the energy sector?
However, this requires a certain instinct, as the ex-chancellor said that one should not fall into the status of a war party. By this he means not only concerns about the enormous nuclear arsenal of the Russians, but also how they are dealing with the energy crisis.
He is not currently jealous of Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) that he must now make the decision on sanctions – while EU-wide consideration is being given to imposing sanctions, the Chancellor spoke out against such an approach to the very end.
War threatens our prosperity
Nevertheless, the problems that loom are enormous: “We’re not talking about putting on a sweater, reducing the heating by a degree or two, or turning off the lights at home — this is really about distortions,” says Kern, who fears. that this geopolitical economic war also casts doubt on the country’s prosperity.
After all, one is faced with the situation where the wholesale energy prices of individual products “have increased by 300 to 800 percent within a year – that has not even reached the people”. old contracts have caused them to have lower prices.
“Snorkels are not enough”
“What happens is that the price increases, which are already unbearable for many, then also affect the food sector.” Instead of preparing for the “tsuanmi”, the government is currently only handing out “snorkels” and explains that it will “do something already”.
In fact, the number of people who can no longer afford energy will double – and many companies will find themselves in trouble from rising prices, which will also lead to many losing their jobs, according to Kern’s less optimistic forecast.
Limited alternatives
At the same time, however, some would make huge profits, he criticized not only the price formation, but especially the speculation in the energy market: “When the guns thunder, then it gets interesting – the business model behind it, you have to break through.” The alternatives to the current situation are limited: For example, next to the US, Qatar, the Emirates and Iran, for example, would be particularly suitable for the example of liquefied gas – which, however, means a dependence on other autocratic countries.
If one actually depends on liquefied gas in the future, the price would also double to the current level – “and that permanently”.
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.
