Energy crisis in Germany: "Some think the whole thing has nothing to do with them"

The President of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, expects restrictions on saunas and wellness facilities for the winter.

"I cannot imagine that gas consumption in the leisure sector will simply continue during the winter given the extremely high energy prices," Müller told the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung".

"In any case, that would be grossly lacking in solidarity in a gas shortage," he added.

A gas shortage would have dramatic consequences for jobs, businesses and production, emphasized Müller.

"Everyone must be aware of that - jobs and the production of important goods should be more important to us than personal comfort in the energy crisis." However, the drama has not yet reached everyone.

"There is a lot of discussion about the high prices, but some people apparently think the whole thing has nothing to do with them," said Müller.

"Good reasons to ban patio heaters in outdoor catering"

The Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) called for a ban on radiant heaters in the catering trade in the newspaper.

"There are good reasons to ban patio heaters in outdoor catering," said BUND energy expert Oliver Powalla to the newspaper.

In winter, not only gas but also electricity becomes scarce and very expensive.

"We can't currently afford the luxury of sitting comfortably warm outside even in cold temperatures," said Powalla.

According to the "Bild" newspaper, several retail chains are now shutting down escalators due to rising electricity prices.

This applies to branches of the electronics retailer Saturn and the department store chain Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof.

The latter also saves on the lighting.

According to the report, the shopping center operator ECE stops escalators during off-peak times in the morning and in the evening.

The furniture retailer Ikea is examining other energy-saving measures in addition to switching off escalators.

Meanwhile, the IG Metall union is demanding a price cap for gas and electricity.

The first chairman Jörg Hofmann also spoke out in favor of a second energy price lump sum.

In addition to employees, you also have to help pensioners and students.

The federal government must now send noticeable social signals, Hofmann told the German Press Agency.

"Without affordable energy costs, there is a risk that social cohesion will break." Unlike many companies, people could not pass on the massive price increases, said Hofmann.

"At the same time, they have to experience how billions in taxes are supposed to subsidize energy companies, for example."

Due to the sharp rise in energy and food prices, the federal government is currently working on another relief package.

On Tuesday and Wednesday she will advise at a cabinet retreat in the guest house Schloss Meseberg north of Berlin.

According to information from the coalition parties, new relief steps are to be presented "promptly" (Green Party leader Ricarda Lang) or "in a few days" (SPD Secretary General Kevin Kühnert).