After Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU suggested potential relief for fuel prices, the Federal Government continues to keep the exact timeframe for upcoming measures undecided.
Speaking to the dts news agency on Wednesday, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius confirmed that the government recognizes the need for action and intends to implement it. He noted that internal discussions are underway to determine which solutions can be adopted and what proposals can be put forward. Kornelius added that these consultations are ongoing but are expected to conclude “very soon.”
When asked about the bottlenecks in the discussions, Kornelius stated that politics must examine the various course of action, particularly concerning how these measures will be financed elsewhere. Furthermore, some proposals require checking European law and legal frameworks within the EU. The spokesperson emphasized that such a review cannot be rushed, although he stressed that action must be swift.
Meanwhile, Kornelius moderated expectations regarding possible interventions. He stated that high prices are substantially driven by market uncertainties, specifically citing the wartime events in the Persian Gulf. He cautioned, “We are seeing market effects that are stronger than tax policy. The Middle East situation influences crude oil prices, and at the same time, refinery production capacities remain limited.” These constrained processing capacities are what have kept fuel prices high, and the Federal Government is searching for a “sensible solution” within these parameters.
This discussion comes after the Chancellor previously stated in an ARD summer interview that they could not entirely subsidize an oil price of $100. Currently, a barrel of North Sea Brent crude costs approximately $107.
