EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has specified her proposed measures for lower energy prices. A special levy is planned for oil and gas companies that are making high profits, the "Handelsblatt" reported on Tuesday, citing the politician.

For a certain period of time, the Commission wanted to divert the unexpected profits "that the energy companies had never even dreamed of" to burdened households and companies, the Commission chief was quoted as saying. The traffic light coalition in Berlin had also spoken out in favor of a similar measure.

According to the "Handelsblatt", von der Leyen also wants to make it easier for the EU states to provide liquidity support for utilities. "Our energy companies are essential to keeping the lights on, houses warm and our economy running," she said. Von der Leyen had already announced proposals on Monday on how energy prices could be reduced. This is intended to reduce the demand for electricity at peak times.