Fuel prices in Germany soared to unprecedented levels over the Easter weekend, with diesel reaching a new all-time high on Easter Sunday. According to data from ADAC, the nationwide average price for diesel at German gas stations climbed to €2.44 per liter, up from €2.425 the previous day. This marked the fourth consecutive day of record-breaking prices for diesel fuel.
Petrol prices also continued their upward climb, with the average price reaching €2.191 per liter - an increase of 0.7 cents compared to the previous day and a new peak for 2026. While Super E10 prices remain slightly below the all-time high recorded in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the current trajectory signals growing concern among consumers and policymakers alike.
The escalating fuel costs have intensified calls for government intervention to ease the burden on consumers. Sepp Müller (CDU), co-chair of the fuel price task force in the Bundestag, has demanded that the federal government present concrete results by Friday regarding proposed relief measures. Among the suggestions under consideration are value-added tax (VAT) reductions and the introduction of a mobility subsidy to support families, commuters, and small and medium-sized businesses.
"The crude oil price is shooting through the roof because US President Trump continues to escalate," Müller explained. "As a task force, we expect concrete evaluation results from the federal government by Friday regarding our relief proposals." He proposed quick relief measures for families, commuters, and the middle class, potentially through vehicle tax adjustments for small and medium incomes as well as businesses.
Since Wednesday, gas stations have been permitted to raise fuel prices only once per day at noon, though price reductions remain allowed at any time. However, ADAC has observed that prices have been consistently moving upward since the regulation took effect.
The automobile club noted that while the price increase from Wednesday to Thursday could be partially explained by a corresponding rise in crude oil prices - which jumped from $100 to $110 per barrel - the continued increases over the Easter weekend occurred despite closed trading markets.
"It is therefore increasingly confirmed that mineral oil companies are using the once-daily increase option for a risk premium," ADAC stated. The organization has called on the Federal Cartel Office and state authorities to intervene in the situation.
The CDU workers' wing (CDA) has advocated for relief instruments that would provide immediate, income-independent support in everyday life. "People don't need housewife tips for saving now, but effective support," said CDA Chairman Dennis Radtke to Funke Mediengruppe newspapers. Specifically, he called for reducing VAT on food to zero percent and introducing an annual mobility allowance of €500 for all employees earning below 60 percent of the median income.
Former Green Party leader Ricarda Lang has also expressed support for reducing VAT on basic foodstuffs as a means of providing relief to consumers facing rising costs across multiple sectors. The price regulation change for gas stations was a central component of the government's first package of measures during the energy crisis.
Prior to Easter, the fuel price task force had initially ruled out additional measures, particularly expensive relief options such as tax cuts or a price cap on fuel. The directive at that time was to continue monitoring the situation and have the federal government examine further steps. However, the continued price escalation and mounting public pressure have now forced the issue back onto the political agenda with greater urgency.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
