Austrian Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer has defended the continued use of combustion engine vehicles, arguing that the ÖVP (Austrian People’s Party) is not responsible for high oil and gas prices impacting Österreich. He stated that high prices are not a result of pro-combustion engine policies. Hattmannsdorfer criticized what he termed the “Wiener-Bubble,” referring to a perceived disconnect among residents of Wien from the economic realities faced by people in regions like the Mühlviertel. He believes the "Wiener-Bubble" mistakenly assumes everyone can afford an electric vehicle. The Minister’s comments suggest a tension between urban and rural perspectives on energy policy within Österreich. His stance challenges the narrative that favoring combustion engines contributes to the nation's vulnerability to fluctuating fossil fuel costs.