Survey: Two-thirds of Germans cut energy use in response to Iran war

Some two-thirds of German residents are consciously reducing their energy consumption in response to rising prices linked to the war with Iran, according to a survey published on Monday by comparison portal Verivox.

The representative poll found that 55% of respondents were trying to lower heating costs, while 52% were paying closer attention to electricity use and 56% said they switched off electronic devices instead of leaving them on standby.

Higher energy prices are also affecting transport habits, with 48% using their cars less frequently, while 29% were cycling more often, and 24% were using public transport more often.

More than a quarter said they were not saving energy, with more than half of this group saying they had already cut back and saw no way to save more. This group was dominated by the elderly.

A further 22% said they could afford the higher prices, with 18% saying they did not wish to change their habits.

Looking to the longer term, 23% said they had already taken steps to move away from fossil fuels, while 38% planned to do so and 40% had not yet taken any action.

Smaller-scale measures such as installing solar panels were the most popular options, whereas larger investments - including building insulation, modern heating systems or electric cars - played a lesser role.

The survey was conducted online in April by market research institute Innofact among 1,013 people aged 18 to 79.