Like everywhere in Europe, people are switching from city gas to natural gas. Alfred will not escape this either and has to adapt his gas installation. He has to install a new gas burner, which of course costs him a pretty penny. See natural gas.

His clientele remains stable, enabling Alfred to keep his head above water. Of course, there is always a dispute with the Schnichels and things often go hard, but they still continue to order from Alfred. See Schnichels