Amid rising fuel prices, German politicians are considering drastic measures to protect consumers.
Saxony’s CDU member Florian Oest is now calling for a fixed fuel-price ceiling. “The current fuel‑price package is not enough” Oest told “Stern”. “We need tax relief and a price cap modeled on Poland”. Beginning this week, Poland has set daily government‑controlled price ceilings on petrol and diesel, while also cutting VAT and energy taxes.
Oest represents the Görlitz constituency, which borders Poland and is directly feeling the effects of the neighboring country’s policy. “Especially in East Germany and Upper Lusatia, we are competing internationally with Poland and the Czech Republic” he said. “Looking across the border shows that a fuel cap can bring more stability”.
He also proposes temporarily lowering fuel taxes to the EU minimum level and suspending the national CO₂ pricing. According to a “Magazin” report, the possibility of reducing fuel taxes is being considered by the Bundestag’s energy‑price task force, though they intend to wait for the impact of already passed measures before taking action.
Germany introduced a new rule on Wednesday: fuel prices can be increased only once a day, at 12 p.m. They can be reduced at any time. The goal is to curb sharp price swings. Violations of the rule may carry fines of up to €100,000.
In Poland, the Ministry of Energy announced on Tuesday that the price limits for regular unleaded petrol were set at 6.16 zloty (about €1.44). Super petrol limits were 6.76 zloty (around €1.58), and diesel at 7.60 zloty (about €1.77). Long queues formed on borders and at petrol stations as consumers rushed to purchase fuel within the new caps.
