According to Heidelberg Materials, because of the high cost of gas and electricity, the company is thinking about closing down its German facilities. Discussions with labour unions have been ongoing as staff shift patterns have changed. The construction materials company anticipates an increase in energy costs of almost 50 per cent annually to more than Euro 3 billion in 2022. Despite steps the corporation has previously made to safeguard itself against rising costs, such as the use of alternative fuels, it has urged the German government to set a cap on energy prices.