Düsseldorf’s competition specialist Justus Haucap cautions against inflated expectations for Germany’s new fuel‑price adjustment law, which aims to curb gasoline costs.
Haucap told the “Rheinische Post” that the proposed “one‑time‑per‑day” rule for fuel‑pump price changes could make it easier for motorists to compare prices. However, he warns that whether this will lead to lasting price reductions is still uncertain, citing mixed evidence. He notes that market power lies more at the refinery level than at individual petrol stations, so he doesn’t anticipate dramatic changes.
In a call for realism, Haucap said drivers cannot expect to escape the impact of a global oil glut or price volatility. He acknowledged that fuel prices may rise, adding that such fluctuations are a normal risk that citizens must endure even if they’re unpleasant. He urged people not to panic over recent sharp price increases caused by the Iran war, but to maintain calm and perspective.
The fuel‑price adjustment law will be discussed in its first reading in the Bundestag this Thursday.
