Dear Sir or Madam,

As a result of the Middle East conflict, energy prices have risen significantly in recent months. This particularly affects crude oil and kerosene prices and has a direct impact on transportation costs as well as procurement costs of key petroleum based raw materials.

We have already implemented a range of measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, please be advised that this is a Force Majeure event. We can no longer fully absorb the additional energy and procurement costs. To continue providing our usual high level of reliability, quality and service, we are therefore introducing a temporary energy surcharge.

Effective from 8th June 2026, a temporary (Force Majeure) energy surcharge of 2.5% of the respective invoice amount will be applied. The surcharge will be shown separately and transparently on our invoices.

This measure is explicitly intended to be temporary. We all hope for a quick resolution to this conflict, will review developments in the energy and procurement markets on a regular basis and will adjust or discontinue the surcharge as soon as the cost situation sustainably normalises.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued trust and cooperation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully

Dirk Hofmann

COO/CFO