A government plan aiming to soften the effects of the energy crisis, which could last well into 2022, will be comprised of three stages, beginning with a 500 million-euro support package including double the amount of previously announced subsidies for electricity, as well as natural gas and heating subsidies.

The plan, whose details are expected to be announced later today, will then continue with a second support package for low-income households around Christmas time.

The third part of the plan, whose details will be announced at a latter date, is expected to entail the establishment of a mechanism absorbing extraordinary energy costs.

For its three-part plan, the government presumes the energy crisis, caused by an unfavorable combination of international factors, will last well into 2022. Some analysts believe the crisis could persist throughout next year.

Consumers throughout Europe are facing exorbitant electricity and natural gas costs that have increased multifold over the past few months.