(de-news.net) – New fuel price regulations will limit daily price increases in Germany from Wednesday onward, following significantly rising energy costs linked to the Iran War. Although supply shortages are not expected, data from the ADAC had indicated continued fuel price increases driven by volatile oil markets.
Following its publication in the Bundesgesetzblatt, newly adopted regulations governing fuel station pricing are scheduled to enter into force from 1 April. Within this revised regulatory framework, operators will be permitted to increase the prices of gasoline and diesel no more than once per day, with the allowable adjustment fixed at noon. Non-compliance with these provisions may give rise to administrative penalties, with fines potentially reaching up to 100,000 euros, thereby underscoring the enforcement dimension of the measure.
Against the backdrop of this tightening regulatory environment, energy ministers from across the European Union are convening via video conference to deliberate on the recent escalation in energy prices. The informal nature of the discussions is expected to facilitate an exchange on the coordination of a more uniform European response to the evolving energy landscape, with a press briefing scheduled to follow the meeting. Price increases observed across the Union have been attributed to disruptions associated with the Iran War. At a summit held in mid-March, heads of state and government had already mandated the European Commission to develop targeted policy measures, which could encompass both adjustments to carbon pricing mechanisms and the deployment of state aid instruments.
Supply risks are ruled out
In parallel, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, led by Katherina Reiche (CDU), has indicated that it does not anticipate a physical shortage of fuel supplies. In responding to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by members of the Greens, the ministry conveyed that current analytical assessments do not point to an imminent supply constraint, suggesting that availability remains stable despite price volatility.
Nevertheless, prevailing market data indicate that upward pressure on fuel prices persists. According to the motor club ADAC, average diesel prices rose by 12.6 cents over a seven-day period until last Tuesday, reaching 2.288 euros per liter, while the price of Super E10 increased by 3.2 cents to 2.074 euros per liter. Consequently, both fuel types recorded annual highs during the preceding week, with subsequent daily averages indicating further incremental peaks and thereby reinforcing the broader upward trend. The ADAC attributed these price increases primarily to rising crude oil costs driven by geopolitical tensions affecting the Gulf region. Benchmark Brent crude oil temporarily exceeded 110 US dollars per barrel before retreating below the 100-dollar threshold, illustrating the volatility of global energy markets. In light of these developments, the organization reiterated its call for a temporary reduction in fuel-related energy taxes, arguing that aligning diesel taxation with the European Union’s minimum rate could yield price relief of approximately 15 cents per liter.
Audio: TTSFree
