High energy prices have become a dominant political issue in Europe’s largest economy as the cost of living skyrockets, in part because of the war in Ukraine. The charge is set by Trading Hub Europe, a body formed by various gas distributors in the country.

The compensation is intended to help gas importers who have to buy more expensive gas from suppliers outside Russia and not suffer huge losses. The fee will officially go into effect on October 1, but is not expected to affect gas bills until November or December because of regulations that protect consumers from price changes.