Given the high price of gasoline, Federal Minister Friedrich Merz (CDU) has indicated openness to increasing the commuter allowance. Currently, discussions revolve around raising the commuter allowance from its present rate of 38 cents to as much as 45 cents per kilometer, according to the “Bild” (Thursday edition), citing sources close to the Chancellery. This financial relief would be applied to citizens during the next year’s tax returns.
In addition, Merz reportedly supports lowering the electricity tax for everyone. A decision regarding this measure may be reached this Sunday at the meeting of the coalition committee. However, the Federal Minister reportedly intends to maintain the recently implemented gasoline price regulation, which restricts gas stations to raising their prices only once a day at noon since April 1st.
