The Social Democratic Party (SPD) says that the sharp rise in gasoline prices at German service stations caused by the war in Iran is unjustified.
Deputy parliamentary group leader Esra Limbacher told the “Rheinische Post” in its Tuesday edition that the price hikes she sees at many petrol pumps amount to plain and outrageous gouging. “We are witnessing clear‑cut and shocking extortion on many of our filling stations” she said. “The very early price increases are simply unacceptable”.
According to Limbacher, the petrol and diesel on sale today were largely purchased at markedly lower crude‑oil prices, and rising expectations should not serve as a blanket justification for higher retail prices. “It is intolerable to use geopolitical uncertainties as a pretext for excessive margins” she added.
She called for greater market transparency and a firm check on potential exploitation during crisis situations. “If companies pass on higher global market prices, they must also pass on falling prices just as quickly to their customers” Limbacher demanded.
