Saxony‑Anhalt’s Ministerpräsident Sven Schulze (CDU) has endorsed the launch of a newly created task force by the coalition factions in the federal government to monitor fuel and gas prices.
“I think it’s right that this is happening now” Schulze told RTL and ntv on Friday. “What we are seeing at the pumps today is pure gouging; the prices cannot even be based on what’s happening in the Middle East. Everyone knows that”.
He emphasised that the Federal Cartel Office should be involved first. “We must press the oil companies quite clearly now. This can’t be allowed to take advantage of the crisis there-it’s happening here in Germany” the CDU politician said. If fuel prices remain high or rise further in the coming weeks, he believes discussions on ways to provide relief should begin.
“There’s still too early to act” Schulze clarified. “You can’t say in two, three, or four days that the state must step in again. A different level is required initially”. High prices are hurting not only consumers but also industry. “We also need to ensure that this does not cause a shock. In energy‑intensive sectors, it could become a major problem” he added.
