Full Breakdown
German Government Grapples with Surge in Fuel Prices
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Rising Prices and Consumer Impact
On the morning of September 15, E10 gasoline in Berlin cost about €2.25 per litre and diesel €2.37. Prices rose by roughly €0.20 per litre at the mandated noon update, with a highway station in southern Berlin reporting a Super Plus price of €3.03 per litre. A comparison by the Federal Statistical Office showed that on September 7 a 60-litre tank of E10 gasoline was about €31 cheaper in the Czech Republic and Poland, €28 cheaper in Luxembourg, and €25 cheaper in Austria. Gasoline is cheaper in seven of Germany’s nine neighbours, diesel in six, with only the Netherlands and Denmark charging more.
Government Response and Policy Options
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the government will act “very soon” to ease the burden, though he said the exact measures are still being discussed with the states. Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche recalled a temporary energy-tax reduction that ran from May 1 through June 30 2026, which was expected to lower pump prices by about €0.17 per litre, and stated that the coalition lacks the fiscal space for a repeat. The Finance Ministry’s spokesperson indicated that an excess-profits tax on energy companies is being pursued at the EU level, with support from Spain and Poland, as a possible financing tool for targeted relief.
Criticism and Opposition
Herbert Rabl of the Gas Station Interest Group (TIV) accused oil firms of “raking it in” without cutting profit margins. AD AC, Germany’s automobile club, warned that despite lower crude prices, E10 gasoline remains the most expensive in recent history and called for greater market transparency.
Data & Statistics
- September 15: E10 ? €2.25/L, diesel ? €2.37/L; noon increase ? €0.20/L.
- Highest recorded price: Super Plus €3.03/L (southern Berlin).
- Cross-border price gaps on September 7: €31 (Czech Rep./Poland), €28 (Luxembourg), €25 (Austria).
- Temporary tax cut (May 1–June 30 2026) projected to shave €0.17 per litre.
Why It Matters
Regional elections scheduled for September 20 in two states heighten political stakes. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads polls at 38 %, while the SPD holds 34 %, prompting the governing coalition to seek swift relief measures to curb voter discontent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Many people who need their cars every day have reached their breaking point,” — Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- “It's not the actions of the federal government or anything like that causing prices to rise so sharply. Rather, it's largely due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, attacks on oil pipelines and the blockade of shipping lanes,” — Steffen Meyer, deputy government spokesperson
- “They're raking it in. The oil companies aren't cutting into their profit margins at all,” — Herbert Rabl
- “There is the option of introducing a fuel cap and, at the same time, an excess profit tax, as in Luxembourg,” — Premier Manuela Schwesig