Habeck Affirms Open-Ended Review of Gas Levy
- Berlin, January 16, 2025 (hib). * Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has reaffirmed the planned open-ended review of the gas levy. “We will take a close look at whether the money that has been collected so far has been used as intended and whether it is still needed in the future,” Habeck said on Monday in Berlin.
The gas levy was introduced in October 2022 to cover the costs incurred by gas importers due to the sharp rise in gas prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The levy is collected from all gas consumers in Germany and is currently set at 2.4 cents per kilowatt hour.
Habeck’s announcement comes amid growing criticism of the gas levy. Critics have argued that the levy is unfair to consumers, who are already struggling with high energy prices, and that it is not necessary because gas prices have fallen significantly in recent months.
The open-ended review of the gas levy is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Habeck said that the government will then decide whether to abolish the levy, reduce it, or keep it in place.
In addition to the open-ended review, Habeck also announced a number of other measures to help consumers cope with high energy prices. These measures include:
- Increasing the level of the energy allowance for low-income households.
- Expanding the eligibility criteria for the energy allowance.
- Providing grants to households that switch to renewable heating systems.
Habeck said that the government is committed to providing relief to consumers who are struggling with high energy prices. “We will not leave anyone behind in this crisis,” he said.
Habeck bekräftigt ergebnisoffene Prüfung
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