Household energy prices fell on a monthly basis in December. However, the energy price index (EPI) was 6.7 percent higher year on year.
Compared to November 2023, prices fell mainly for heating oil (minus 5.5 percent), diesel (minus 4.9 percent), premium gasoline (minus 4.4 percent) and wood pellets (minus 1.7 percent). The changes were limited for the other energy sources.
Natural gas and district heating remain expensive
Electricity prices fell by 0.6 percent compared to the previous month and fuelwood prices fell by 0.5 percent. Natural gas remains expensive, prices only fall by 0.2 percent. District heating also remains expensive; prices have not changed month-to-month.
A typical annual requirement of 3,000 liters of heating oil cost around €3,600 in December, a typical 50-litre tank of diesel cost around €80 and a tank of premium petrol was available for around €74.
Consumer prices fell due to the brake on electricity prices
The energy agency writes that the prices for household energy have risen again compared to December 2022, which is mainly due to the entry into force of the electricity price brake. At the time, the measures had reduced consumer prices by 21 percent.
Rate change recommended
The energy agency believes that the planned halving of the electricity price ceiling to 15 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) makes sense. It is recommended that customers who may change rates actively inquire about this in the coming weeks.
Source: Krone
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