Vienna [Austria], September 29: The Austrian government on Wednesday unveiled a new aid package worth 1.3 billion euros (1.25 billion U.S. dollars) for companies struggling with the worsening energy crisis.
The funds will be earmarked for energy-intensive companies to cover 30 percent of their additional fuel, gas and electricity costs, Austrian news agency APA quoted economic minister Martin Kocher as saying.
However, companies seeking state aid will have to avoid certain wasteful activities, such as using outdoor patio heaters and keeping shop lights on after 10 p.m., APA reported.
Soaring energy prices have continued to drive up inflation, which stood at 9.3 percent in August. Fuel prices are the strongest driver of inflation, according to Statistics Austria.
The Austrian government has previously introduced several anti-inflation packages to support households and companies, including increasing social benefits for the unemployed and other vulnerable groups.
Source: Xinhua