Heating costs set to rise considerably

Household heating costs in the Czech Republic could rise by up to a third next year. A spokesman for the country's heating association, Pavel Kaufmann, said producers were hoping that such a big increase did not occur. In any case prices will rise by at least ten percent. Coal, natural gas and biomass are all now more expensive, while water costs for heat producers have also risen. From January there will be a new environmental tax and a hike in the VAT rate, while emissions permits will also cost more.