The huge increase in energy prices has a huge impact on local suppliers. Traders in Lower Austria fear a clear cut, local customers a new crisis.
Because the galloping costs for electricity and gas are causing vegetable growers in particular problems. The exploitation of the large greenhouses with lighting and heating is becoming more and more expensive. “The consumer will not be able to bear these costs,” says Karl Auer, president of the vegetable association.
Production is reduced
And he immediately mentions the consequence of this: “We will have to reduce production.” This means that a real “cucumber crisis” threatens all those who do not want to do without fresh, local vegetables even in winter. Because not only the popular cucumbers, but also tomatoes and peppers from Lower Austria will probably be found on the supermarket shelves less often. Experts from the Chamber of Agriculture in St. Pölten estimate the decrease at 15 to 20 percent.
Emergency food trade
Local suppliers are also feeling the consequences of the energy crisis. In the case of small grocers, the Chamber of Commerce even fears a clear cut. Hundreds of such companies are already in distress. “Since the end of last year, the industry has been confronted with huge price increases that we cannot fully pass on to consumers,” said Christian Prauchner.
The Federal President of the Grocery Store knows this firsthand: he runs shops in Pöchlarn, Ybbsitz and Gresten. Freezers and refrigerated counters in particular are currently cost drivers. A saleswoman summarizes the dilemma: “I can’t ask seven euros for a kilo of bread!”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
