[ahartmetz]

No, the goal of German policy isn't to kill its energy-intensive industry. Like in all countries, the conservative party, biggest member of the governing coalition, has strong ties to the local industry, and the social democrats have no interest in the loss of jobs. "The aim of high prices" is conspirationalist nonsense.

The aim of Nordstream (however misguided that turned out) was low prices.

Minor point: companies get the VAT back or don't pay it in the first place.

[mytailorisrich]

However you look at it they don't want fossil fuels to be cheap, as demonstrated by all the policies I mentioned. So the aim is indeed high prices (because this makes other energy sources more attractive) within the constraints of public opinion and the economy Although the economy is suffering because this is all not well thought-out.

Again, saying it is politically suicide so they don't (mostly, Greens are open about it) but actions speak louder than words.

[ahartmetz]

So what is the hidden agenda then, and by which actions did the government raise prices to 14 cents during the Ukraine war and 10 cents now? Why did they run a crash program to build LNG terminals, which lowered prices?

By all indications, "5-6 cents high" was politically desired, "10-14 cents high" isn't.