In response to rising energy prices, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) has announced a new federal government relief package.

The price increases in the entire energy sector are overwhelming for many people, said the Economics and Climate Protection Minister of the German Press Agency in Berlin.

“Extremely high heating costs, extremely high electricity prices, extremely high fuel prices put a strain on households, and the lower the income, the more.

The federal government will therefore launch another relief package.”

The Russian attack is driving up fossil energy prices, explained Habeck.

"And all because fear of energy shortages and speculation are heating up the price spiral." He announced three criteria for the new measures.

Firstly, there must be simplifications for electricity, heat and mobility, the minister explained.

"It is precisely the high heating costs that are overwhelming many families." The Federal Ministry of Economics estimates that the gas bill for an average family in an unrenovated single-family house will rise by around 2000 euros in the current year.

Secondly, energy efficiency and savings are also needed, such as reducing consumption when driving or replacing gas heaters, said Habeck.

Thirdly, further market-based impulses are necessary so that the following applies: "The more efficient, the lower the costs".

Habeck emphasized: "These three criteria must be reflected in the relief package." In this respect, the proposals of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) fell a little short.

"The government will now quickly and constructively put together the overall package in a work process."

Lindner will probably get a fuel subsidy on the way

According to a media report, Lindner wants to get a state fuel subsidy on the way.

The amount has not yet been determined, the newspaper "Bild" reported on Sunday evening.

The FDP politician is therefore planning that the amount should be deducted when paying at the gas station.

Since the start of the Ukraine war a good two weeks ago, fuel prices have risen dramatically.

Since then, diesel has increased in price by almost 66 cents per liter, and E10 by a good 45 cents.

In an interview with the "Tagesspiegel" this Sunday, the Minister of Finance had still rejected a so-called fuel price brake, i.e. a temporary reduction in VAT from 19 to seven percent for diesel and petrol.

"If the Union calls for a so-called fuel price brake, then they have to say what they want to cut in the budget," Lindner said.

"Or they have to admit that they are willing to take on new debts." According to Lindner, the tax authorities are not getting rich because of the rising fuel prices.

If a higher proportion of a household's disposable income is used for fuel, the VAT will only be shifted, not the revenue will increase.

"People then hold back with consumption elsewhere."