The Union faction in the Bundestag has rejected a quick relief package for motorists despite rising gasoline prices.
Vice‑chair Günter Krings (CDU) told “Welt” (Friday edition) that the Iran conflict and its economic fallout must be taken seriously, but that “it is premature to promise concrete relief measures several days after the start of the air strikes”. He argued that “tax relief today will become future financial burdens”.
Krings added that ensuring supply security-particularly for energy and food-remains a core state responsibility. “While some progress has already been made, we must accelerate further improvements” he said. “A resilience or emergency plan, with strategic reserves and European cooperation in building them, could provide a solid approach regardless of the current conflict. The present situation gives us the occasion to craft a sensible solution swiftly within the federal government”.
Steffen Bilger (CDU), the faction’s business manager, warned that it is still unclear whether the market reactions will remain temporary or evolve into lasting structural bottlenecks. “The outcome will hinge on the conflict’s evolution and when key trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz become navigable again” Bilger said. The coalition factions have set up a task force to monitor the situation. “Should the situation intensify, we will jointly assess potential actions with the federal government” Bilger added.
