Once a day, at noon, gas stations in Germany they are allowed to increase the price fuel. Thus, on September 15, gasoline E10 in Berlin cost around 2,25 euros per liter in the morning, and diesel around 2,37 euros.
Then at noon, prices rose by approximately 20 cents. The most expensive fuel was recorded at a pump next to the highway in southern Berlin, where a liter of Super Plus reached the price of 3,03 euros. writes DW.
Drivers are outraged. While residents of big cities can use public transport, people in rural areas often have no real alternative to a car. Only citizens of border regions have priority.
According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, a driver filling a 60-liter tank with E10 gasoline on September 7 paid about 31 euros less in the Czech Republic and Poland than in Germany. In Luxembourg, the difference was 28 euros, and in Austria 25 euros.
The government is increasingly concerned.
Germany has nine neighboring countries. In seven of them, gasoline is significantly cheaper than in Germany, while diesel is cheaper in six. Only the Netherlands and Denmark have more expensive fuel than German fuel.
However, a possible relief was announced: "For many people who need a car every day, the load limit has been reached," said Chancellor Friedrich Mertz at a conference of the German Foreign Trade Association in Berlin. "I think we have to act."
Mertz added that it has not yet been decided which instrument will be used: "We are in very close contact within the federal government and with the provinces. A proposal will follow very soon."
"Robbery" at gas stations
Government spokesman Steffen Meyer rejected claims that the government was responsible for the price rise. According to him, prices depend on international market trends, the worsening of the situation in the Middle East, attacks on oil pipelines and problems in maritime traffic.
However, the fact is that fuel is heavily taxed in Germany. The automobile club ADAC warns that the price of crude oil is still lower than during previous price peaks, while E10 gasoline is more expensive than ever. "There are serious questions, especially when it comes to refineries and wholesalers, why prices are so high," said the ADAC spokeswoman.
Even more harsh is Herbert Rabl of the Interest Association of Gas Stations: "People are being robbed. The oil companies are not giving up even a part of their profit margins," he told the Rheinische Poste newspaper.
A new fuel discount is not planned for now
The problem is that the German budget is under severe pressure and is financed by record new borrowing.
"The path to lower prices leads first of all through the end of conflicts in key regions and free sea navigation," says government spokesman Mayer.
After the outbreak of the war with Iran, the government had already temporarily introduced a fuel discount. From May 1 to June 30, 2026, the tax on fuel for gasoline and diesel was reduced.
With VAT, this should have reduced the price of fuel by around 17 cents per litre.
CDU, CSU and SPD have different recipes
Minister of Economy Katarina Rajhe (CDU) believes that repeating that model is currently not possible: "We have already subsidized fuel prices. We concluded in the coalition that there is currently no financial space for that," she told ntv television.
That is why the CDU and CSU are considering other solutions. These include tax breaks for people who commute by car or direct assistance to low-income households.
Their coalition partners from the SPD propose, however, a different approach. That party is demanding the introduction of a state cap on the price of fuel and a tax on the extra profits of energy companies.
The Social Democrats also support a temporary reduction in energy taxes during crisis situations. The goal is to directly make fuel cheaper at the pumps.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Zeder (CSU) also supported the idea of taxing extra profits, who at the same time is asking for the consideration of tax reductions and other levies.
Opportunity for the AfD
While the government is still arguing about the solution, the political clock is ticking. Already this week, on September 20, elections are being held in two German federal states. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Prime Minister Manuela Schwezig of the SPD is trying to prevent the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from winning. According to the latest polls, the AfD has around 38 percent of support, while the SPD lags behind with 33 to 34 percent.
The AfD proposes a radical cheaper fuel by abolishing the CO₂ duty and reducing the tax on energy to the European minimum. It also calls for a reduction in VAT on gasoline and diesel from 19 to seven percent.
"There is a possibility that, like in Luxembourg, the upper limit of fuel prices and a tax on extra profits will be introduced," said provincial premier Schwezig.
At the same time, she accused the federal government of inaction: "The chancellor is letting everything happen by itself, and that creates frustration."
The solution could come from the EU
In Berlin, they remind that the tax on extra profits is currently being considered at the level of the European Union.
"It could be an opportunity to fund measures to help citizens in the future," said government spokesman Mayer.
Such a thing, however, requires the agreement of all EU members.
The Ministry of Finance of Germany, which is led by the SPD, says that Minister Lars Klingbeil will strongly insist on that proposal at the next meeting of EU finance ministers in Dublin. "Big members like Spain and Poland stand by us," the ministry said.
According to that plan, extra profits of oil companies made during the crisis would be used for targeted assistance to citizens who suffer the most due to high fuel prices.
But even if a European deal is reached, it probably won't help the parties of the ruling coalition, which are fighting for every vote in provincial elections in a few days.
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