all projects

Disruption to gas supply – consequences for the brick industry

Client

Federal Association of the German Brick and Tile Industry

Year

2022


Our assignment

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has led to uncertainties for the gas supply in Germany. Several studies have examined the possible effects of supply disruptions on the German economy. But how would this specifically affect the brick and tile industry? This question was examined for the Federal Association of the German Brick and Tile Industry (BVZi) by an interdisciplinary team consisting of our economists and gas experts.

Our approach

The first step was to analyse and estimate the extent to which production losses could occur in the brick and tile industry. Based on this, the resulting value-added effects were determined – both directly for the brick and tile industry and indirectly for the upstream industries. In a final step, a qualitative analysis was carried out in which, among other things, the importance of the brick and tile industry for the construction industry, and the possibilities for the substitution of bricks as a building material, were discussed and classified.

Within the framework of the study, three technical discussions were also held with representatives from BVZi member companies in order to compare the results of the study with the specific situation in the brick factories. In selected places, the results of the study are commented on and classified accordingly.

Core results

The results of the study show, firstly, that the brick industry is highly dependent on gas supplies. Secondly, it is clear that the construction industry would be severely affected by reduced brick production and/or further increases in the price of bricks. When planning and implementing political measures in connection with the supply of gas to German industry, it is therefore important to include downstream indirect effects in the considerations in order to keep the economic costs and negative social effects of an interruption to the gas supply as low as possible.

Links and Downloads

Study (PDF in German, ziegel.de)

More info, in German (ziegel.de)

Project team: Dr Michael Böhmer, Leilah Dismond, Jens Hobohm, Markus Hoch, Sebastian Lübbers, Dr Fabian Muralter

Last update: 06.10.2022

Do you have questions?

Your contact at Prognos

Markus Hoch

Senior Project Manager

View profile

Dr Michael Böhmer

Managing Partner | Chief Economist

View profile

Jens Hobohm

Partner, Director

View profile

Mehr Studien & Projekte zu diesem Thema

More studies & projects on this topic

Mid-term evaluation of the Single Market Programme (SMP)

2025
| Project

The Single Market Programme promotes the EU internal market in order to strengthen it, standardise it and make it more competitive. Prognos was involved in the mid-term evaluation of the programme.

Socially just transition to climate neutrality in the EU

ongoing
| Project

To facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral economy, Prognos is supporting the European Commission in implementing the European Fair Transition Observatory (EFTO).

Living conditions of refugees with disabilities in Germany

ongoing
| Project

How do refugees with disabilities live in Germany? And how can they find work? We are addressing these issues in a study for the German Red Cross.

Data for environmental policy: core economic sectors redefined

2025
| Project

Prognos developed a methodology for Eurostat for regular data collection for the European Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS).

Mid-term evaluation of the Programme Interreg Bavaria-Czech Republic 2021-2027

2025
| Project

We conducted a mid-term evaluation of the Programme Interreg Bavaria-Czech Republic 2021-2027 on behalf of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.

Strengthening European cohesion policy through REGIO Peer2Peer

ongoing
| Project

The Peer2Peer communities are a network of representatives from regional and national authorities in all EU Member States. Prognos recently took over the management of the Circular Economy Community.

Industrial clusters for net-zero technologies in the European Union

ongoing
| Project

As part of the Net-Zero Industry Act, we are working with our partners to conceptualise Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys for the European Commission.

Pension provision: Five ideas for higher pensions for women

2025
| Project

On average, women receive significantly lower pensions than men. Our study for the GDV shows how they can strengthen their retirement provision.

The Zukunftsatlas 2025 is here

2025
| Expertise

Does your region have a future? The new Prognos Zukunftsatlas has answers. Exclusively published in the Handelsblatt on July 4.

Green Tech Atlas 2025

2025
| Project

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Prognos compiled the Green Tech Atlas 2025. The atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the cross-sectional environmental tech-nology and resource efficiency industries.

About us

Prognos – Providing Orientation.

Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.

Learn more