The president of the German Crafts Association (ZDH), Jörg Dittrich, welcomed the ban on multiple price hikes per day at German petrol stations announced by Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU), but urged further measures.
“I’m glad Minister Reiche wants to put a stop to daily multiple price increases at petrol stations” Dittrich told the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday edition). A “manageable intervention like this will not overwhelm a fuel company”. He added that price adjustments can still be made, but would be clearer and less volatile, making it easier for craft businesses to plan.
“I’d also caution against setting unrealistic expectations about the price effects of this decision” Dittrich cautioned. “Fuel prices are heavily taxed, and crude oil is invoiced in U.S. dollars, so exchange-rate fluctuations also matter. All of this dampens the impact of individual market interventions”. Nevertheless, he said the minister’s move is an important signal in today’s highly volatile market, which may help curb frequent price spikes and restore steadiness‑for a long‑term, the cartel‑law review of the petrol‑station market should continue”.
