Verena Bentele, the president of the social association VdK, has offered commentary on the reintroduction of the fuel rebate and the potential implementation of a gas price ceiling. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), Bentele stated that it is fundamentally correct that the Federal Government aims to assist citizens amid massive price increases for gasoline. She agreed that a dual approach-offering immediate relief while simultaneously limiting price gouging by corporations-is the right direction.
However, Bentele strongly criticized the blanket reduction of fuel prices through the energy tax, calling it the “par excellence irrigation hose.” According to her, this measure has no regulatory effect and provides equal financial relief to both wealthy and struggling citizens.
Instead, Bentele argued that assistance should be targeted at those facing the greatest hardship. She pointed to low-income individuals, who quickly face significant financial strain from rising gas costs; single parents who rely on their vehicles for work and childcare; and residents of rural areas lacking adequate public transport options.
She affirmed that introducing a fuel price ceiling would be correct. Bentele suggested that European neighbors should have implemented this measure much earlier. Furthermore, she emphasized the critical requirement that the starting price for this cap must not be set too high if the initiative is to effectively curb price manipulation by large corporations.
