Economics Minister Habeck has received massive criticism for the gas surcharge. Now the Green politician is allegedly questioning the contribution himself. The reason for this is the possible nationalization of the ailing energy supplier Uniper – this may not be legally compatible with the surcharge.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck is apparently questioning the gas levy because of the worsening situation of the gas supplier Uniper. The politician explained this last week at an internal meeting of the Greens, reports ARD, citing party circles. The minister justified his move away from the gas levy with “doubts in the financial constitution”. On the other hand, Reuters reports that, according to insiders, the federal government is pushing ahead with the gas levy and bringing further changes into the pipeline. This is intended to limit the group of profiteers. As a prerequisite, a market share of at least one percent should apply and companies that made profits should be excluded.
According to ARD, Habeck’s doubts are based on a report by a law firm commissioned by Habeck’s ministry. The Chancellery, Minister of Justice and Ministry of Finance have confirmed the previous path.
The government wants to use the gas surcharge to support energy companies such as the gas importer Uniper. Due to the initially reduced and then completely suspended deliveries from Russia, they are forced to buy expensive alternatives and at the same time have to comply with their supply contracts with their customers. The state wants to avoid companies getting into financial difficulties and the supply chain collapsing like a domino effect. The surcharge of 2.4 cents per kilowatt hour, which will apply from October, is to be paid by all gas customers, both private households and industry.
Uniper has already applied for government aid worth billions. A nationalization of the utility has also been under discussion for days. If a majority stake by the federal government is incompatible with the gas surcharge, it could be replaced by comprehensive state aid, according to Habeck. The company’s financing requirements are significantly higher than when the first rescue package was negotiated, he emphasized.
Uniper said last week that since the signing of the stabilization package, the European energy crisis had “further worsened, since no Russian gas volumes are currently being delivered through Nord Stream 1 and both gas and electricity prices are very high and volatile”.
