In the face of rising energy prices and inflation, the German government has started a national awareness campaign urging consumers and companies to conserve energy.

Robert Habeck, vice-chancellor and minister for economic affairs and the environment, said: "Anyone who saves energy helps Germany become less dependent on Russian imports and takes care of the climate."

Labour unions, environmental organisations, and consumer groups all support the initiative.

According to a survey released by the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) on Friday, 77 per cent of Germans are now conserving energy, primarily to save income.

According to preliminary estimates from the Federal Statistical Office, inflation in Germany reached 7.9% in May, driven by rising energy prices (Destatis). It is the highest so far since the first oil crisis in the winter of 1973-1974.

After forecasting a 4.2 per cent gain in December last year, the country's central bank cut its growth prediction for 2022 to 1.9 per cent.

Antje von Broock, managing director of Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND), said: "Ten per cent less energy consumption in all sectors is the target against which industry and the federal government, in particular, must be measured."

Source: The Star

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