Price shock at many petrol pumps in Germany. Motorists paid more than 2.30 euros for a liter of diesel at the weekend. Diesel and petrol even scratched the 2.40 euro mark at the motorway filling stations. Politicians want to take countermeasures. CHIP explains what drivers have to consider over the next few days.
Fuel prices are currently making life in Germany more expensive. Employees who have to drive to work every day groan under the high prices. Drivers today pay an average of 15 euros more for a full tank of fuel. For the first time, diesel is even more expensive than petrol.
The high fuel prices also ensure higher prices for food deliveries or transport. More and more restaurants are now not only demanding a higher minimum order value, but are also charging a surcharge or a delivery fee. Depending on where you live and your company, the amount is between 1.00 and 4 euros.
Our editorial team had already reported on the fuel price effects. Such horrendous fuel prices trigger a chain reaction. Taxi companies, transport companies, moving services and even bakeries have to increase prices in the longer term given the situation.
Tank discount announced – when can we expect it?
If the prices at the pump rise, the state earns a lot. With a Super-E10 price of 2.20 euros, taxes and duties in Germany account for around 1.17 euros.
In order to relieve the burden on German citizens, the federal government is planning a tank discount that will be automatically deducted at the petrol station checkout. At least that’s what the “Bild” newspaper reports.
According to the ideas of Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner, motorists should receive a “tank discount” when they pay at the petrol station. The federal government will then reimburse the gas station operators for the amount of the discount via the responsible tax office.
Lindner wanted to react to the record prices for petrol and diesel fuel, according to the “Bild” newspaper from government circles. However, the exact amount of the discount has not yet been determined. He could possibly be 20 cents per liter, possibly even more. It is also unclear when the tank discount will come. In addition, Economics Minister Habeck and Lindner’s Ministry of Finance have already put the brakes on.
Apparently, the discount should apply “to all fuels”. Both households and companies should benefit.
In France, the fuel discount of 15 cents applies from April 1st. Prime Minister Jean Castex said the state tank rebate will apply for four months and will cost France around two billion euros.
Should I fill up – or should I wait?
The tank discount could come in the next few days – or (as in France) only from the end of March. Motorists have no choice but to keep an eye on fuel prices.
If you use the car every day, fill up with gas. If you live on the national borders with Poland, Austria or Luxembourg, you can also fill up at the neighbors. Poland had lowered all taxes and pushed the price of gas to under 1.80 euros per liter.
CHIP has developed a calculator that you can use to see exactly when tank tourism is worthwhile for you:
Refueling abroad – is it worth it?
With rising fuel prices, many people from border regions drive abroad to fill up. But is it worth the effort? Calculate it here.
If you use the car only irregularly, it is helpful to only fill up for a certain small amount. As soon as the prices drop or the tank discount is granted, you can fill up. During the week and in the evening, the tank prices are cheaper than, for example, at the weekend or in the morning hours.
Are prices falling soon or are they approaching 2.50 euros per liter?
Basically, the situation on the crude oil market is dynamic. No one can accurately predict price developments in global oil trading. A week ago, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the associated severe sanctions imposed by many countries drove oil prices to their highest level since 2008.
In the meantime, prices have moved away from these highs again. A barrel of Brent rose to around $139 last Monday. The price is now leveling off at around 110 US dollars. However, experts expect a further increase. Especially if the USA were to impose an import ban on Russian oil and gas. The punitive measure is also being discussed in the European Union – so far without result.
A dollar increase in the price of oil equates to almost a cent in gasoline or diesel.