Almost one in two Germans fears that the cost of energy will be a “big burden” for them this winter, with natural gas consumers expressing particular concern.

According to a study by the Institute for Macroeconomics and Business Cycle Research (IMK) of the Hans Böckler Foundation, the percentage of citizens who talk about a “big burden” from energy prices has risen sharply in recent months.

As a result, the Institute’s researchers expect a significant reduction in energy consumption in the coming months.

The desire to save in the middle class is constantly increasing, explains Sebastien Dulien, head of the study, and notes that 64% of respondents say they will “slightly” or “significantly” cut back on entertainment. 63% plan to cut spending on household appliances and furniture, and 61% on clothes and shoes..

However, at the same time, as reported today by the Federal State Statistics Service, there is a slowdown in the growth of prices for agricultural products. In May last year, growth was 35.6% compared to the previous year, while in June it was limited to 33.9%, and in July – 33.4%. Compared to June, producer prices in August decreased by 0.8%. On the contrary, the prices of livestock products in July increased significantly compared to 2021. Tentatively, milk has risen in price by 52%, chicken by 42%, potatoes by 33% and rapeseed oil by 25%.

Source: RES-IPE