German fuel prices hit record highs as political debate over relief measures intensifies
On September 15, 2026, German fuel prices reached all-time highs, with Super E10 averaging €2.286 per liter and diesel at €2.412 per liter, according to ADAC. The surge is driven by high crude oil costs, damaged refineries in war zones, and escalating Gulf tensions pushing Brent crude to $107.55 per barrel. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced vague relief measures, sparking debate: CDU proposes VAT cuts or direct payments, Greens advocate a 250-euro energy payout financed by an excess profits tax, while SPD demands a fuel price cap. Economics Minister Reiche opposes price caps and windfall taxes, citing legal and economic risks.
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German Super Gasoline Hits Record 2.30 Euros; CDU's Frei Proposes VAT Cut
Super gasoline in Germany has reached an all-time high average of 2.30 euros per liter, according to ADAC figures, while diesel prices at 2.422 euros per liter are approaching their previous record of 2.447 euros set in April. Prices have risen sharply since late August, with super gasoline now 52 cents more expensive than before the Iran war began. In response, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei has proposed reducing value-added tax on gasoline and diesel from 19% to 7%, or alternatively cutting the energy tax, calling for swift action on what he describes as an acute and escalating problem. The Greens are advocating for an energy allowance of up to 250 euros per capita. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced relief measures but rejected an excess profits tax. The SPD demands both an excess profits tax and a fuel price cap similar to those in Belgium or Luxembourg. However, the Ministry of Economics, led by Katherina Reiche (CDU), opposes a price cap and an excess profits tax, citing legal and financial risks, and instead favors targeted direct payments to specific population groups.
Read sourceGerman Greens Demand 250 Euro Payout as Reiche Calls Fuel Discount Problematic
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced relief measures for drivers amid rising fuel prices, but has not specified the details. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and economic expert Monika Schnitzer have warned against a price cap on fuel, calling it problematic and economically unsound. Reiche's ministry also opposes a windfall profit tax on oil companies, citing legal and economic risks. In contrast, the Greens have proposed an energy lump sum payment of up to 250 euros per person, financed by a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies' excess profits. The proposal, cited by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, aims to provide socially graduated direct payments. CDU labor wing leader Dennis Radtke also supported direct payments for low- and middle-income households. Schnitzer cautioned that neither a fuel discount nor a price cap addresses the underlying issue of oil market scarcity and geopolitical uncertainty.
Read sourceGerman Greens propose 250-euro energy payout; minister warns against fuel price cap
In response to rising fuel prices in Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced relief measures for drivers but has not specified the exact instruments. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and economic advisor Monika Schnitzer have warned against implementing a fuel price cap, citing legal, financial, and economic risks. Reiche's ministry also rejects an excess profit tax on oil companies as legally and economically problematic, noting that a similar EU measure from 2022 is still under legal review. The Greens have proposed an alternative: a socially tiered energy lump sum of up to 250 euros per capita, financed by an excess profit tax on fossil fuel corporations. Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDU's employee wing (CDA), also advocated for direct payments to low- and middle-income households. Schnitzer further argued that blanket price caps weaken the scarcity signal of high oil prices and could cost the state significant money.
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German Chancellor Merz Hints at Fuel Price Cap Amid Rising Gasoline Prices
This commentary from taz.de, published on September 15, 2026, discusses rising fuel prices in Germany, with E10 super gasoline reaching an all-time high. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, facing political pressure after election losses, has announced vague relief measures, raising hopes for a fuel price cap. The article attributes high prices primarily to the war against Iran instigated by the USA and Israel, which has disrupted crude oil transport routes, and also blames oil companies for profiteering. The author advocates for a fuel price cap modeled on Belgium's system, which calculates maximum prices based on crude oil costs and refining expenses. The commentary notes that the SPD supports such a cap, but Union parties, particularly Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, have resisted. Alternative proposals mentioned include an EU windfall tax, a speed limit, car-free days, subsidized public transport, and a climate dividend. The piece concludes by emphasizing the need for social cohesion amid fears of an AfD-led government after state elections.
Read sourceGerman fuel prices hit record highs as debate over consumer relief measures intensifies
Fuel prices in Germany reached new all-time highs on September 15, 2026, with Super E10 averaging €2.286 per liter and diesel at €2.412 per liter, according to ADAC. Heating oil prices also continued to climb. The price surge is attributed to high crude oil costs and damaged refineries in war zones, with escalating tensions in the Gulf region further pushing oil prices to $107.55 per barrel for Brent crude. The rising costs have reignited the political debate over relief measures for consumers. CDU Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche advocated for direct payments to low-income earners but rejected a fuel discount or electricity tax reduction, citing a lack of financial room. CDU politician Sebastian Steineke called for a temporary energy tax cut to the EU minimum. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf demanded a fuel price cap and an excess profits tax on oil companies. Green Party Vice-Chairman Andreas Audretsch proposed reducing the electricity tax. Energy expert Manuel Frondel warned against a price cap, citing Hungary's 2022 fuel shortages. The petroleum industry expects market normalization only by 2027.
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