CSU representative and finance policy expert Mechthilde Wittmann expressed her frustration regarding claims made by gas station operators suggesting they cannot immediately lower fuel prices starting May 1st, even if government tax reductions take effect. Wittmann stated to the weekly magazine “Das Parlament”, which is published by the Bundestag administration, that she did not understand this position. She argued that, in her view, the industry could easily reduce prices by at least nearly 17 cents starting on May 1st. She justified this by pointing out that prices at filling stations had already increased speculatively at a time when the full consequences of the attack on Iran had not yet materialized.
Furthermore, Wittmann is calling on the Cartel Office to submit proposals for intervention in the gas station market promptly, specifically to address potential “excess profits”. She elaborated that she advocates for imposing fines on inflated profits and collecting these excess gains. Although the companies should naturally retain a certain profit margin, she emphasized that the goal is not to confiscate seriously earned profits, but rather the excessive windfall profits.
Meanwhile, the Bundestag is scheduled to debate a temporary reduction of the energy tax on gasoline and diesel (the “fuel discount”) during its second and third readings on Friday. Additionally, the Bundesrat is expected to approve this measure during a special session that same day.
