Julia Verlinden, an energy expert and deputy parliamentary group leader for the Greens, has urged the government to prepare consumers for expected increases in natural gas prices. Speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Verlinden warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, high gas prices are anticipated even during the winter months. She pointed out that consumers would receive this news with little advance notice, because most people have long-term gas supply contracts. Therefore, she argued, politicians must proactively plan for rising costs and advise people to reduce consumption so they are not caught off guard later. The government should simply inform the public that things might become challenging and that preparations are needed. Furthermore, she noted that unutilized gas should be treated as a form of silent reserve crucial for ensuring supply security.
Verlinden added that the summer provided a crucial opportunity for investment and transition to alternative sources, but she sharply criticized the current federal government for doing the opposite. The Green politician highlighted that the cabinet had passed two laws just this week-the Building Modernization Act and the Electricity Security and Capacity Act (StromVKG)-both of which she believes tend to increase overall gas consumption.