Rising prices push Germans to cut spending, poll shows

Rising prices are forcing many people in Germany to cut back on spending, with 58% saying they had recently reduced everyday expenses, a Forsa poll for broadcasters RTL/ntv showed. 

About 41% of those polled said their behaviour had not changed significantly. People under 30 and lower-income households were most likely to report cutbacks.

Among those saving money, 76% said they were dining out less, while 69% were cutting spending on new purchases and groceries. About 65% said they were spending less on fuel.

Consumers were also reducing spending on energy, holidays and leisure activities, with 59% cutting energy use, 57% scaling back holidays and 55% spending less on leisure.

Higher fuel prices are also changing mobility patterns. Around 31% of petrol and diesel car users said they were driving less than a few weeks ago, while 68% reported no change.

The effect was more pronounced among lower-income households, with 44% of those earning under €2,500 ($2,927) per month driving less, compared with 24% of those living in households earning more than €4,000.

Those who rely on a car every day were far less likely to reduce their driving than occasional drivers.

Those cutting back on driving often switched to other modes of transport, with 51% cycling more, 42% walking more and 35% using public transport more frequently. About 22% reported carpooling more often.

The survey polled 1,005 people on April 24 and 27.