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Austria enters April with a bundle of regulatory changes that touch everyday life — from rent and fuel to mobile phone bills, electricity costs, and public services. Several measures aim to cushion inflation, while others introduce new transparency rules or modernize administrative processes. The following overview highlights the most important developments.
Rent Adjustments Under the “Mietpreisbremse”
Richtwert rents increase for the first time since April 2023. Thanks to the legally introduced “Mietpreisbremse,” the rise is capped at 1 percent for all federal states.
This limit applies to the total rent, including location-based surcharges. In 2027, the maximum increase will again be restricted — then to 2 percent.
This cap affects:
- Older buildings (Altbau)
- Municipal housing
- Cooperative housing
The measure is intended to slow down rent-driven inflation and provide predictability for tenants.
Fuel Price Brake Takes Effect
After months of political debate, the “Spritpreisbremse” becomes active on 1 April.
The government can temporarily reduce the mineral oil tax and limit refinery and petrol station margins if diesel or petrol prices rise by more than 30 percent over two months.
Expected relief:
- Up to 10 cents per liter according to government estimates
- Aimed at easing inflationary pressure and stabilizing household budgets
The mechanism is designed as a safeguard rather than a permanent subsidy.
Anti‑Shrinkflation Law Targets Misleading Packaging
The new Anti‑Mogelpackungs-Gesetz addresses a long-standing consumer frustration: shrinking product quantities hidden behind unchanged packaging.
Key rules:
- Products with reduced content but unchanged packaging must be clearly labeled for 60 days
- The notice must appear on the product, shelf, or an information sign nearby
- Applies to retailers with:
- More than 400 m² of sales area, or
- More than five branches
- Fines can reach 15,000 euros
- Law is valid until mid‑2030
Retailers have criticized the administrative burden, but consumer advocates see it as a major step toward transparency.
Mobile Phone Prices Rise, New Brands Enter the Market
Austria’s mobile market expands with new discount brands such as Hörbi and the postal service’s new provider Yelllow.
At the same time, many existing customers face inflation-linked price adjustments.
Changes from April:
- A1: +3.5% on monthly base fees
- Magenta: +3.5%
- Drei: Increase between 1% and 6.5%, depending on the tariff
These adjustments apply only to contracts containing indexation clauses.
New Social Electricity Tariff for Low-Income Households
A major relief measure begins in April: the Sozialtarif for electricity, introduced under the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG).
Who benefits:
- Around 300,000 people in Austria
- Adults with main residence in Austria who are exempt from the ORF fee
- Individuals receiving:
- Pensions
- Care allowances
- Unemployment-related benefits
- Social assistance
- Apprenticeship-related benefits
- Support due to deafness or severe hearing impairment
Tariff details:
- Up to 2,900 kWh per year at a net price of 6 cents per kWh
This measure aims to protect vulnerable households from energy poverty.
AMS Fully Switches to the New “MeinAMS” Platform
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) continues its digital transition.
The new platform MeinAMS, introduced in late 2025, replaces the older eAMS-Konto.
Important dates:
- Parallel operation ends 10 April 2026
- Users can switch until that date
- Those who do not switch will receive AMS communication by post until they register on MeinAMS
The platform allows users to:
- Register as job seekers
- Apply for unemployment benefits
- Manage appointments
- Track applications and funding requests
- sourcekleinezeitung.at/picture: pixabay.com
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