The Bundestag has passed measures that include a reduction in fuel taxes, commonly known as the “Tankrabatt” alongside a €1,000 bonus allowance. During a recorded vote on Friday, 453 members of parliament voted in favor of lowering the taxes on gasoline and diesel, while 134 members voted against the change, with one abstention. This followed an earlier approval by a majority for the general relief premium. However, the law must still secure the approval of the Bundesrat, the federal states’ chamber, which is scheduled to meet in a special session on Friday afternoon.
Should these changes pass, the taxes on diesel and gasoline are expected to drop by approximately 17 cents per liter starting in May, initially restricted to a two-month period. Furthermore, the legislation allows employers the option to pay their staff a €1,000 payment that is exempt from taxes and contributions. Despite the passage, the initial response has been cautious: many corporations and state governments have publicly stated that they do not intend to pay the bonus premium.
