When it comes to electricity prices, the corporations are getting a lot higher, and shopping in the supermarket is also becoming more expensive. Is the food industry benefiting from the crisis? Consumer center boss Ramona Pop is already thinking of an excess profit tax.
The chairwoman of the Federal Association of Consumer Centers, Ramona Pop, can imagine levying a so-called excess profit tax for the food industry as well. In response to a question about the significantly increased food prices, Pop said to “Bild am Sonntag”: “Whether and to what extent food companies and retailers are enriching themselves from the crisis will ultimately show in their profits whether there are excess profits there too.”
In the case of the energy companies, such crisis-related excess profits are “now rightly skimmed off at least in part and returned to the consumers,” says Pop. “I think that’s a good model that could also be transferred to other sectors of the economy. Healthy eating shouldn’t be a question of money.”
Companies in the oil, gas, coal and refinery industries, which are making billions in profits due to the consequences of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and rising energy prices, have to make an “energy crisis contribution” – limited to the financial years 2022 and 2023. Profits that Profits that exceed the average profit by 20 percent compared to previous years are taxed at 33 percent.
Lindner skeptical about excess profit tax
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) does not want to talk about an “excess profit tax”, which he had long rejected. But the law says: “The EU energy crisis contribution is a tax within the meaning of the tax code.” The measure should bring additional income of one billion to three billion euros.
Looking at the energy market, Pop noted that the January 1 surge in price hikes was “pretty massive.” A striking number of energy suppliers have increased their tariffs so much that they are above the agreed price brakes. “Then there is often the addition: Don’t worry, from March there will be support from the state. I expect the cartel office to take strict action against black sheep on the energy market and abusive price increases.” She reported: “Last year we initiated 45 warning procedures against energy suppliers, which is 23 more than the year before.”
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
