Fuel prices at gas stations across Germany rose sharply again at midday on Thursday. Petrol prices increased by 9.8 cents per liter, while diesel jumped by as much as 11.8 cents, according to the ADAC. Just a day earlier, the average diesel price had already reached a new all-time high, further fueling concerns among consumers and policymakers.
Since Wednesday, gas stations in Germany have only been allowed to raise fuel prices once per day. According to the ADAC, this change led to immediate price increases of nearly eight cents on average at noon on the first day. Diesel prices initially climbed to 2.376 euros per liter, while petrol rose to 2.175 euros. Although stations are still allowed to reduce prices at any time, significant price drops did not occur throughout the rest of the day.
By the end of Wednesday, the average diesel price stood at 2.327 euros per liter, 0.6 cents higher than the previous record daily average set in March 2022. Petrol prices also continued to rise, reaching 2.129 euros per liter, the highest daily average recorded this year.
The upward trend continued on Thursday. Within just 30 minutes, between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., petrol prices increased from 2.10 euros to 2.198 euros per liter nationwide. Diesel prices rose during the same period from 2.297 euros to 2.415 euros per liter.
The ADAC criticized these increases as unjustified, noting that crude oil prices had actually fallen from Tuesday to Wednesday. The organization stated that it appears mineral oil companies are adding a risk surcharge because they are now only permitted to raise fuel prices once per day. It called on the Federal Cartel Office to step in.
The Fuels and Energy Association, which represents companies such as Esso, Shell, and BP, rejected the criticism. A spokesperson explained that fuel prices typically fall until midday and then rise again by single-digit or low double-digit cent amounts on average across the country. He added that prices tend to drop again shortly afterward, arguing that market competition remains fully intact.
Global tensions are also contributing to rising fuel costs. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, several Gulf states, and U.S. facilities in the region.
In addition, Iran has largely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically critical shipping route through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas is transported. As a result, global crude oil prices have risen significantly.
The renewed surge in fuel prices has reignited debate over how to ease the burden on consumers. Sebastian Roloff, economic policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, called for a windfall profits tax as well as direct financial support for those most affected. He said that direct payments to people with low incomes and other groups particularly burdened by high prices should now be seriously considered.
Meanwhile, CDU politician Florian Oest called for a fuel price cap modeled after Poland. He said that tax relief and a price ceiling similar to the Polish system are needed. In Poland, the government sets a daily price cap based on crude oil prices and has also reduced VAT on fuel.
The environmental organization BUND proposed alternative measures focused on sustainable mobility. It called for the introduction of a mobility allowance and a permanently affordable nationwide public transport ticket. A representative stated that even if fuel prices fall in the short term, they are likely to rise in the long run. Therefore, now is the right time to promote socially and environmentally sustainable mobility solutions. The group also suggested replacing the commuter tax allowance with a universal mobility payment.
Researchers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warned against subsidizing fossil fuels. They argued that a lack of incentives to reduce consumption would only reinforce dependence on fossil energy sources. Instead, they recommended linking relief measures to the promotion of fossil-free energy, for example by reducing electricity taxes.
Green Party leader Felix Banaszak called for the introduction of a temporary speed limit. He argued that such a measure would immediately reduce fuel consumption, help lower prices, and provide simple and fair support for those who rely on their cars for work.
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