Since the introduction of the Austrian model at German gas stations on April 1, 2026, fuel prices have risen compared to the period before the new regulation, according to an analysis released by the ADAC on Tuesday. A comparison of oil prices and the euro-dollar exchange rate in March between the previous, freely set pricing and the current April pricing under the Austrian model shows that the general price level is considerably higher. The mineral oil companies incorporate a significant risk premium with a mandatory increase at noon, which is only gradually reduced throughout the day. Furthermore, the periods when drivers can fuel below the daily average have become shorter compared to the previous free pricing model. Under the old system, motorists could plan their fueling well, and generally do so at a lower cost.
According to the model, prices for gasoline and diesel rise sharply, especially at noon; for instance, Super E10 is, on average, nearly nine cents more expensive per liter, and diesel is about 10.5 cents more expensive. After this peak, prices slowly drop until the early evening and remain relatively stable until the next morning. Fueling below the daily average is possible starting at 6 AM, and around 10 AM, the price is approximately two cents under the daily average. The most affordable time of day is reached just before noon, when prices are 2.7 cents below the average. The daily mandatory price increase occurs again at noon.
