Julia Verlinden, a prominent energy expert and deputy faction leader for the Green Party, has urged the government to prepare consumers for anticipated increases in gas prices. Speaking to the Funke media group’s newspapers, she warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the nation should expect high gas prices even into the winter.
Verlinden pointed out that consumers will not feel these price hikes immediately because most people are covered by long-term gas supply contracts. Therefore, she argued, the government must exercise political foresight by encouraging reduced consumption, ensuring that the public is not caught by surprise later on. She stated that the government should openly advise citizens: “It could get challenging. Prepare yourselves. Gas that is not used can also act as a quiet reserve to ensure supply security”.
The expert suggested that the current summer period presents a crucial window for both investment and transitioning energy sources. However, she heavily criticized the federal government for doing the exact opposite. “Just this week, they passed two laws that tend to increase gas consumption” the Green party politician stated, referring to the cabinet decisions concerning the building modernization act and the Act on Electricity Supply Security and Capacity (StromVKG).
