German Finance Minister Christian Lindner criticized an additional gas fee that would help the country prevent the collapse of the energy sector.

Lindner told Bild am Sonntag that he is less worried about the legal aspects of the plan, which has caused controversy in Germany, than its economic justification. Lindner said they had a gas tax that increased the price. But thet needed a gas price brake that lowered the price.

Germany must stick to its debt burden, he said, despite the huge costs the country is currently incurring to stabilize its energy sector, including costly aid to gas importer Uniper SE.

Paying for gas has been a hot-button issue since German Economy Minister Robert Habeck unveiled the plan in August.

The measure, which is set to take effect Oct. 1, is designed to compensate utilities for sharp increases in wholesale energy prices by charging customers. The measure was initially criticized for being too vague a definition, allowing unaffected companies to apply for the funds. Habeck sought to close loopholes to keep spongers out.