Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Gas storage levels filling up, inflation at 10.5 percent, controversy with the Lobau Tunnel and more news from Austria on Friday.
Gas storage levels to reach 80 percent 'soon'
Austria's domestic gas storage systems are filling up, the head of E-Control, the country's energy regulator, told ZiB. Carola Millgramm said the storage levels should be 80 percent full by October 1st.
This means that industry, as well as households, can count on enough natural gas for the winter.
The situation would have to be re-evaluated if gas deliveries were to be stopped completely. In general, though, Austria is "well prepared for winter", a representative of the Austrian Energy Ministry told broadcaster ORF.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: How reliant is Austria on Russia for energy
Is this the end of the Lobau Tunnel?
Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) wants to bring down the Lobau Tunnel for good: "Just because something was worth considering 20 years ago doesn't mean it's still the right decision today", she said.
The controversial project was created to ease traffic from the outskirts of Vienna (east of the Danube river) to the capital centre. However, the tunnel would go below protected green areas in the 22nd district, and environmentalists alerted to the dangers it could bring to the Lobau region.
Additionally, many people complained that creating more roads for cars was not the best way to deal with traffic - saying the government should focus on giving the population better public transport options instead.
But the project is polarised, with many, including leading party ÖVP, still in favour of it, claiming Vienna urgently needs efficient traffic relief.
READ ALSO: The best spots to recharge on the weekend in Vienna
Inflation estimated at 10.5 percent in September
The inflation rate for September 2022 is expected to be 10.5 percent, according to calculations by Statistics Austria, as part of a flash estimate. Compared to the previous month, consumer prices rose by 1.6 percent.
The inflation rate thus exceeds the values during the oil crises of the 1970s and rises to the highest level since July 1952, when it was 14.1 percent.
The main reason for the rise in consumer prices is substantial increases in household energy, which is also the most important driver of inflation in September. The second most important price driver is fuel prices, which remain at a high level. There were moderate price increases in food and restaurants.
READ ALSO: Reader question: I’ve received my Austrian Klimabonus as a voucher, now what?
Weather
Screenshot from ZAMG
Apart from a few clearings, abundant clouds will prevail and there will be intermittent rain, especially in the south. Still, there will also be some rain in the other regions, Austria's meteorologic institute ZAMG said.
The snow line rises from 1900 to 2500m.
The wind will blow weakly to moderately from different directions. Daytime highs are between 12 and 17 degrees.
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
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Gas storage levels to reach 80 percent 'soon'
Austria's domestic gas storage systems are filling up, the head of E-Control, the country's energy regulator, told ZiB. Carola Millgramm said the storage levels should be 80 percent full by October 1st.
This means that industry, as well as households, can count on enough natural gas for the winter.
The situation would have to be re-evaluated if gas deliveries were to be stopped completely. In general, though, Austria is "well prepared for winter", a representative of the Austrian Energy Ministry told broadcaster ORF.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: How reliant is Austria on Russia for energy
Is this the end of the Lobau Tunnel?
Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) wants to bring down the Lobau Tunnel for good: "Just because something was worth considering 20 years ago doesn't mean it's still the right decision today", she said.
The controversial project was created to ease traffic from the outskirts of Vienna (east of the Danube river) to the capital centre. However, the tunnel would go below protected green areas in the 22nd district, and environmentalists alerted to the dangers it could bring to the Lobau region.
Additionally, many people complained that creating more roads for cars was not the best way to deal with traffic - saying the government should focus on giving the population better public transport options instead.
But the project is polarised, with many, including leading party ÖVP, still in favour of it, claiming Vienna urgently needs efficient traffic relief.
READ ALSO: The best spots to recharge on the weekend in Vienna
Inflation estimated at 10.5 percent in September
The inflation rate for September 2022 is expected to be 10.5 percent, according to calculations by Statistics Austria, as part of a flash estimate. Compared to the previous month, consumer prices rose by 1.6 percent.
The inflation rate thus exceeds the values during the oil crises of the 1970s and rises to the highest level since July 1952, when it was 14.1 percent.
The main reason for the rise in consumer prices is substantial increases in household energy, which is also the most important driver of inflation in September. The second most important price driver is fuel prices, which remain at a high level. There were moderate price increases in food and restaurants.
READ ALSO: Reader question: I’ve received my Austrian Klimabonus as a voucher, now what?
Weather
Apart from a few clearings, abundant clouds will prevail and there will be intermittent rain, especially in the south. Still, there will also be some rain in the other regions, Austria's meteorologic institute ZAMG said.
The snow line rises from 1900 to 2500m.
The wind will blow weakly to moderately from different directions. Daytime highs are between 12 and 17 degrees.
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
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