According to Ramona Pop, Germany’s top consumer advocate, the expiration of the fuel tax rebate necessitates relief for private households elsewhere. On Monday, she called on the federal government—in light of persistently high energy prices—to “finally keep its promise and lower the electricity tax for private households as well.” She argued that this would not only provide relief to consumers but also make the switch to climate-friendly alternatives more attractive.
The head of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) warned that the end of the fuel tax cut must not become a trigger for windfall profits. There is no reason for oil companies to raise prices by more than the amount of the expired tax relief. “The general rule is: anyone who immediately passes on rising crude oil prices must not drag their feet when prices fall.” The Federal Cartel Office remains duty-bound to monitor the situation closely.
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The fuel tax cut expires on Tuesday. It lowers fuel prices by just under 17 cents per liter.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) considers the fuel tax cut a success. “Studies show that a large portion of this relief actually reached consumers,” he told the Rheinische Post on Monday. He also issued a warning to oil companies regarding potential price hikes at gas stations once the measure expires: “We will monitor the situation very closely in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, and then draw the necessary conclusions and determine targeted measures.”
Author: AFP – ilo/oer – Translated by Blackout News
Sources: AFP Press Portal