High energy prices send Europe’s businesses, homes reeling

By AYSE WIETING and SUZAN FRASER
Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — Spiking energy prices are raising utility bills from Poland to the United Kingdom, leaving people struggling to make ends meet and small businesses uncertain about how much longer they can stay afloat. In response, governments across Europe are rushing to pass aid to ease the hit as energy prices drive a record rise in inflation. Nowhere is that squeeze felt more acutely than in Turkey, where inflation has soared to nearly 50% and exorbitant electricity bills are stirring protests and fears about how small businesses can survive. Protests over electricity price hikes broke out across Turkey this week. Shopkeepers are displaying notices decrying high bills in windows, and others are burning their bills in protest.