Due to price increase – tenant gives up: “It no longer pays”

Two weeks ago, shortly before the introduction of the CO₂ tax, Wolfgang Bauer made a call for help and contacted the Chamber of Commerce, among other things – reports the “Krone”. Above all, he can no longer afford the electricity bill and is now afraid that he will have to close his gas station in Donnerskirchen overnight.

New provider?
The reply letter was unsatisfactory to the tenant. “Unfortunately, the increase in electricity and gas prices is in line with current market price developments, which depend on geopolitical and global economic factors.” And: “There is always the possibility to look for a new provider in the market.”

He came up with that himself, according to the 51-year-old, who signed a monthly terminable contract with Burgenland Energie on 1 October – with a more expensive rate so as not to be stuck for two years. If he used to pay € 1,538 per month for electricity, this is now € 6375. Calculated over the year, this is an additional cost of € 48,370.

Oil for car wash
“We need huge amounts of oil to heat the car wash. That has also become incredibly expensive,” says Bauer, who threw in the towel on Friday after a new calculation. “It doesn’t pay anymore.” Also because there is no fuel price cap like in Hungary and the government-planned energy cost subsidy for companies comes too late.

That can be expected in January at the earliest. Also, “If the application is as complicated as other grants, the tax advisor will eat half of the grant once it’s filled out.” What will he do now after “eleven beautiful years”? “No idea! Hand it over properly and ensure that the four employees are hired.”