(de-news.net) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is considering measures to ease the impact of high fuel and energy costs, including raising the commuter allowance and reducing the electricity tax, while maintaining daily fuel price limits at gas stations.

Merz is reportedly evaluating a set of measures aimed at mitigating the financial burden on households caused by persistently high fuel prices. Among the options under consideration are a potential increase in the commuter allowance and a broad reduction in the electricity tax, measures that could provide both immediate and longer-term fiscal relief for citizens. According to media reports citing government sources, the commuter allowance, which currently stands at 38 cents per kilometer, could be raised to as much as 45 cents per kilometer. Authorities anticipate that the resulting relief would be realized by taxpayers through adjustments in the following year’s tax filings, effectively delivering support in a structured and administratively feasible manner.

In parallel, Merz is reported to support a general reduction in the electricity tax, an approach intended to alleviate household energy costs across the board, rather than targeting specific consumption brackets. A final determination on these measures could be reached as early as Sunday, when the coalition committee is scheduled to convene, reflecting the urgency with which the government seeks to address rising energy expenditures.

Observers note that, despite these potential adjustments, the Chancellor appears committed to maintaining the recently introduced regulation limiting fuel price changes at gas stations to a single adjustment per day at noon, a rule designed to stabilize price fluctuations and provide predictability for consumers amid ongoing market volatility.

Audio: TTSFree