In April 2026, fuel prices in Germany reached new highs. According to the ADAC, the average price for Super E10 gasoline was 2.109 Euros per liter, while diesel cost 2.263 Euros per liter. The cost of diesel exceeded the previous month’s record by nearly ten cents, and the price for Super E10 surpassed the monthly peak set in March 2022.
Specifically, on April 7, 2026, diesel was priced at an all-time high of 2.446 Euros per liter. Just the day before, Super E10 reached 2.191 Euros per liter, coming close to the record value of 2.203 Euros per liter set on March 14, 2022. Despite lower Brent oil prices and a better Euro-Dollar exchange rate, prices rose significantly since the introduction of the “Austria model” on April 1.
Consumers’ Association of Germany (VZBV) criticized how the tank discount, effective since May 1, is not being fully passed on to customers. Although the energy tax on gasoline and diesel was reduced by 17 cents per liter for two months, initial assessments according to the VZBV revealed that the tax reduction has not fully reached end consumers.
Ramona Pop, Director of the VZBV, expressed concern that the current system might result in a corporate discount benefitting large companies rather than offering genuine relief to drivers. She called for a proactive federal cartel office to consistently challenge unjustified price increases. Pop argued that the current tank discount mechanism is flawed and should not be extended beyond June.
Instead, she proposed that direct payments would be more effective because they would reach those most in need without administrative detours. Furthermore, she urged the federal government to ensure that Germany becomes more independent of fossil fuels, advocating for increased e-mobility and an attractive, affordable public transport system.
