The co-chair of the parliamentary fuel price task force, Sepp Müller (CDU), has called on German citizens to conserve fuel. Speaking to the TV channel “Welt” on Thursday, Müller noted that Europe is experiencing its first fuel problems, citing Italy as an example where not every plane can be fully fueled.
According to Müller, German drivers should help by adopting fuel-efficient behavior to free up refinery capacity for kerosene. He advised, “We must first be aware that we have fewer options in the market. Therefore, it is advisable for everyone to consume less fuel”. He stated that those in a position to drive less should conserve gasoline and diesel because this, in turn, makes it possible to produce more kerosene through the refining process. Simultaneously, he intends to explore potential avenues within Germany to increase kerosene production from refineries.
Müller stressed that the government cannot solve every global problem by subsidizing it with taxpayer money. He added, “Above all, we cannot magically conjure up a missing supply. Therefore, it is up to us to understand that we must consume less gasoline and less diesel” leading to market adjustments through higher prices. He assured that Germany will continue to be supplied, but warned that the problem may affect other parts of the world that may no longer receive kerosene in the future.
Beyond kerosene shortages, a scarcity of Helium-a gas needed as a coolant in chip production-also poses a threat. Müller warned that the Helium shortage represents the more significant long-term problem. He explained that Helium is a precious gas used both in chip fabrication plants and the medical industry. He added that within the next six weeks, the first chip plants could cease production if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, a crisis that would cause much larger problems than the current situation at the gas pumps.
To address the supply issue, Müller also called for boosting domestic production in Germany. He suggested that fracking for gas and Helium in Germany could be one potential option. Regarding this, the CDU politician asked, “Are we ready for fracking? Are we ready to extract Helium in Germany? Are we ready to utilize our own raw materials?” He noted that public sentiment regarding this issue has changed recently and that he is encouraged that parts of the population are showing a willingness to achieve independence by recognizing the need to utilize domestic resources. Finally, Müller emphasized that the continued expansion of renewable energies is also essential.
