In the debate over how best to lower fuel prices, SPD general secretary Tim Klüssendorf has reinforced calls for an over‑profit tax. He told the “Rheinische Post” that motorists are being ripped off at gas stations, while oil conglomerates are exploiting the Middle East crisis to pocket huge profits at the expense of the German public. “We must end this unacceptable practice” he said. “An over‑profit tax is urgently needed to curb these disproportionate crisis gains, and Europe should act together on this”.
The government, acting on SPD pressure, has already decided that gasoline price increases may occur only once a day and that oil companies must disclose the reasons for any price hike. “This brings much‑needed transparency” Klüssendorf noted. “But that alone is not sufficient to prevent such practices in the future. We also need to strengthen antitrust law so that Germany can respond more quickly to predatory pricing” he added.
Earlier, SPD chair and Minister for Labour Bärbel Bas and SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch had also signaled support for an over‑profit tax.
