The Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD) is calling for new government intervention in light of sharply increased fuel prices. SoVD Chairwoman Michaela Engelmeier informed the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers that a fuel price cap could be a sensible first step to quickly protect citizens from further jumps in mobility costs.
The federal government had already reacted earlier this spring to the significant rise in fuel prices, which was linked to the Iran War. Between May and the end of June, energy taxes on gasoline and diesel were reduced by approximately 17 cents per liter. However, Engelmeier criticized this measure, stating that the tax reduction was an expensive “shotgun approach” that failed to specifically assist those who needed support most urgently.
Consequently, she demands further relief, especially for low-income individuals. According to SoVD, the federal government must take the rising energy costs into account as a whole. Engelmeier argued that the recommendation from economist Monika Schnitzer, suggesting that consumers could achieve greater independence from fossil fuels by making changes when purchasing new cars or heating systems, ignores the lived reality of many people. She noted that many could not afford a new vehicle or a new heating system, while others who rent have no say in how their homes are heated.
Rather than placing the responsibility on individuals, the federal government must ensure affordable energy and establish a functional direct payment mechanism. This would allow relief measures to arrive quickly and be precisely targeted.
