For many Germans, the primary cause of high gasoline prices is seen as the oil conglomerates. According to the Institute for Demoscopy in Allensbach, which surveyed the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung” (FAS), 46 percent of respondents believe that inflated prices from the oil industry are the main reason for the high cost of gasoline. Only 7 percent cited the Iran conflict as the most significant cause of the price increase, while 45 percent felt that both parties share equal responsibility.
Since April 1st, a regulation requires gas stations to adjust their prices only at noon. An FAS analysis of all gas station prices across Germany since this mandate began showed that the average price increase at noon is about seven cents. Any subsequent reductions generally occur by 6 PM, after which prices remain relatively stable. Furthermore, any further price drops the following morning after 7:30 AM are minor. The FAS analysis noted that the most significant price jumps are observed in cities where gasoline is already relatively inexpensive. The Allensbach survey was conducted in person from March 23rd to April 9th, 2026, and involved 1,057 people.
