The left party criticized the delayed implementation of the new price rule for petrol stations.
“First we couldn’t introduce the apparent relief quickly enough, and then, just before the end, the brakes were applied again” said economic‑policy spokesperson Janine Wissler to the “Rheinische Post” on Tuesday. “Unfortunately this fits the picture of symbolic politics”.
The new rule does increase transparency, but Wissler says it will not bring noticeably lower fuel prices. ”Only if the extra profits are taken away do we create an incentive to actually lower prices” she explained. “So we need an over‑profit tax that caps the crisis gains and returns money to people”.
The measure should have entered into force on Saturday, but after a government intervention the price rules will only apply from Wednesday.
Meanwhile the petrol‑station association (TIV) welcomed the new regulation. ”We have got the toughest sword that can be struck against oil conglomerates, and it’s happening faster than I could have imagined” said spokesperson Herbert Rabl in the “Rheinische Post”.
He cautioned that it is essential to observe whether the law works as intended. ”If the market functions, we will see a price war develop after the 12 p.m. price announcement” Rabl said. ”If it does not, we will know that the market is dysfunctional – and then there is a silent cartel among the oil majors”.
