Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder of the CDU has dampened expectations regarding the extension of the fuel discount beyond July 1st. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, he stated that the state will eventually reach the limits of its capabilities.
Schnieder argued that state aid for businesses should be focused. He highlighted the burdens on the freight forwarding industry, noting that this has significant effects on daily life. He warned that these costs are being passed on, making everyday necessities like food and goods more expensive, and specifically pointed out the difficulties faced by smaller companies.
At least in the short term, Schnieder does not see a risk of a physical shortage of fuels in Germany. He pointed out that the sources for gasoline and diesel are diversified and that Germany is not as dependent on the Middle East. The conservative politician also suggested that summer travel traffic will not be jeopardized, stating that it will not fail because Germany lacks kerosene. Currently, the primary concern remains the price trend of fuel.
