Federal government's fuel price package to be completed by early April - Germany cracks down on soaring fuel prices with new relief package
Fuel prices in Germany have climbed sharply, causing widespread concern among drivers. In January 2024, petrol averaged €1.70 per litre, while diesel reached €1.60—both higher than previous months. The government is now pushing forward with a new relief package to tackle the issue before early April.
The proposed law introduces stricter rules for fuel pricing. Service stations would only be allowed to adjust prices once per day. Companies must also justify any increases, shifting the burden of proof onto them.
The Federal Cartel Office will gain stronger powers to review and block excessive wholesale markups. These measures aim to improve transparency and fairness at the pump. Price cuts, however, would still be permitted under the new rules. To ease market pressure, the government plans to release parts of its strategic oil reserves. Parliament will hold its first reading on the draft law this week. If approved, the legislation should be finalised by the end of March or early April.
The new rules would limit daily price hikes and require clearer justifications for increases. With the relief package set for completion in early April, drivers may see more stable fuel costs in the coming months. The government's intervention follows months of rising prices that have outpaced the European average.
