SaS: Energy Prices May Rise Next Year, by Up to 30% in Case of Gas

Bratislava, September 20 (TASR) - There's a danger that gas prices may go up by as much as 30 percent next year, while no funds have been allocated from the state budget for energy subsidies, MP for the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) Karol Galek told a press conference on Friday. "Minister Ladislav Kamenicky [Smer-SD] presented his package in which he wants to deprive people of billions. Missing from the expenditure was any help with energy prices, yet there are many support mechanisms included in them. If they aren't maintained, energy prices may rise dramatically for everyone in Slovakia, including and especially households," said Galek, adding that people who are dependent on social assistance will need help in particular. The MP pointed out that SaS last year demanded targeted aid and identified savings of about €80 million in the case of gas. "Minister Denisa Sakova [Voice-SD] has decided that they will subsidise as much as they can. However, in the spring of this year, she already acknowledged that the targeting of subsidies must be there," added Galek, pointing out, however, that there are only three months left until the end of the year, and according to him, it is not known whether and how the government intends to implement the targeting. Meanwhile, the European Commission is also asking for more specific assistance. Spokeswoman for the Economy Ministry Maria Pavlusik stated on Thursday (September 19) that some households will be affected by the increased gas and heat prices. The Economy Ministry is therefore preparing a system of assistance for people who need it most. It is also trying to ensure cheap gas from the East. am/mcs