economy
April 15, 2026
Citizens of Europe's first economy worried about rising prices: They fear crisis and have no savings
A new wave of price increases, caused by rising energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, has increased consumer concern in Germany, where as many as 77% of citizens expect further price increases, and many state that they have no financial reserves to help them cope with the crisis, according to the latest study by the credit agency Schufa.
TL;DR
- 77% of German citizens expect further price increases.
- Many Germans have no financial reserves to cope with the crisis.
- 76% of citizens fear further increases in electricity and fuel prices.
- Only 22% of respondents believe they have enough savings to offset rising living costs.
- 36% fear their financial reserves will be insufficient, 16% have depleted their savings, and 22% never had any reserves.
- Inflation in Germany reached 2.7% in March, up from 1.9% in February.
- Energy prices for households and fuel were 7.2% higher in March compared to the same month last year.
- Lower-income citizens are particularly affected as they have no savings to cushion the impact.