Price increases in Salzburg – the extended Lungau family struggles with price madness

When the Müller-Wieland family introduce themselves, it takes a while. In addition to dad Stefan (29) and mom Doris (34) the four daughters Annalena, Laura, Nadine and Sophie live in the family’s cozy home in Haiden, high above Tamsweg.

But cosiness has its price, especially when it comes to heating. It is now no longer easy to lift. And this despite the fact that Stefan Müller earns well as a team leader and Mama Doris also works in the catering industry in addition to her full-time job as a mother.

Pellet price up 50 percent
“It’s insane, the price of pellets has increased by 50 percent,” says an irritated Stefan Müller, who has just bought heating material for the autumn. To put this into perspective: a year ago an average household paid 1314 euros for six tons of pellets, this year it is already 2016 euros.

But it is not only the increased heating prices that make it difficult for the family of six. “When we go shopping, we are now very aware of what we are buying,” says Doris Wieland. Large packs and promotions are therefore particularly interesting for the family. “The butter used to cost 90 cents, now it is two euros. We feel that of course,” Wieland reports. Because of the remote location, the family also has to maintain two cars – refueling the minibus alone currently costs about 150 euros.

Even though the family can still make ends meet, one thing is clear: it is becoming increasingly difficult to create a financial buffer for emergencies, such as braces and a new washing machine. “We don’t know whether a holiday and a ski subscription are the right choice today,” the parents agree.