Story perspectives

Merz Announces 17-Cent Gasoline, Diesel Tax Cut

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 2:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a 17-cent-per-litre gasoline and diesel tax cut effective October.
The cut includes a €0.14 energy-tax reduction and a €0.03 sales-tax reduction.
Merz dismissed a windfall-profit tax on energy firms, citing no factual or legal basis.
SPD leader Manuela Schwesig urged an immediate price cap and excess-profits tax as AfD polls rise.

History

Historical Context

In 1973, the Arab oil embargo and OPEC’s price surge—oil rose from $3 to $12 a barrel—forced European governments to adopt energy measures such as fuel taxes to curb consumption. Echoing that response, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s 2024 plan to cut gasoline and diesel taxes aims to ease price pressure amid renewed volatility and growing AfD support.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a 17-cent-per-litre gasoline and diesel tax cut effective October.
The cut includes a €0.14 energy-tax reduction and a €0.03 sales-tax reduction.
Merz dismissed a windfall-profit tax on energy firms, citing no factual or legal basis.
SPD leader Manuela Schwesig urged an immediate price cap and excess-profits tax as AfD polls rise.

1 / 2