The parliamentary group in the Bundestag accepts the criticism from Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister‑President Sven Schulze (CDU) regarding the high gasoline prices as “justified”. “If diesel is considerably cheaper in Italy for comparable tax burdens, one must ask whether the German fuel market operates fairly” said vice‑chairman Sepp Müller (CDU) to “Die Welt”.
Schulze called for tax relief amid the rising petrol and diesel prices that have appeared over the course of the Iran war. His state-black‑red in colour-had already set up a task force on the issue.
That task force and the Federal Cartel Office aim to scrutinise fuel companies more closely so as to increase transparency and counter possible price gouging, Müller told “Die Welt”. “The state must intervene when markets do not function fairly” he added. “More transparency throughout the supply chain, stronger oversight in wholesale fuel trading and better European coordination on energy levies would, in my view, reduce competitive distortions”.
The AfD is demanding fundamental tax cuts. “The term ‘discount’ is completely misleading. The state is always the biggest rip-off at the pump” said Leif‑Erik Holm, the AfD’s parliamentary economic spokesperson. He says no “soft levy for a limited time” is needed; instead, aside from tax cuts, the CO₂ levy should be abolished. He views that as straightforward, fast, and capable of safeguarding Germany’s economic stability. “Minister Reiche’s ban on frequent price hikes is just activism” Holm argued. He predicts further price increases: “Corporate players will add a safety margin to the price to cushion any daily price swings”.
The Greens criticize what they call “price escalation and gouging” in oil and gas. “It is now clear: prices must fall, and the excessive profits of oil and gas conglomerates must be stripped away” said Greens’ vice‑chair Andreas Audretsch to “Die Welt”. “Only a credible threat of a surcharge on excess profits would cut prices”. He calls for a temporary reduction of the electricity tax as immediate relief and suggests that additional tax revenue be returned to the public. Audretsch accused Jens Spahn and Katherina Reiche of doing nothing to help and of deepening Germany’s dependence on gas and oil costs.
The Left rejects a fuel discount coupon, arguing it is not targeted enough and does not help those who need it most, while also being climate‑incorrect. “Without price controls, the oil industry will reap the benefits at taxpayers’ expense” said parliamentary vice‑chair Janine Wissler to “Die Welt”. “The war was used to raise prices-a huge mess” Wissler accused the companies of. She said the most benefit came from those driving large, fuel‑intensive vehicles. The Left calls for a surcharge on excess profits, a climate fund, and the nine‑Euro ticket to relieve citizens.
