Barely introduced, the tank discount could soon be history again. Lower Saxony’s energy minister, Olaf Lies, would like to consider an early cancellation if the reduction is not passed on to motorists. Otherwise the state would only subsidize the mineral oil companies.
Tank discount: Minister calls for critical examination
A tank discount applies in Germany from June 1st to August 31st, 2022. It is currently being discussed whether the discount will really remain in its current form until the end of August. Lower Saxony’s Energy Minister Olaf Lies is bothered that Mineral oil companies benefit from the discountif it is not fully passed on to motorists.
“With every cent that does not reach the citizen, we as the state subsidize corporate profits,” says Lies. Well shall implementation should be critically reviewed. If this review confirms his suspicion, it would mean the “early cancellation of the discount”. Since there is no shortage of petrol or diesel, price increases at the pump are “indecent and immoral” (source: heise online).
For a possible Special tax on “crisis winners” the energy minister is also open. In this context, he calls on the Federal Cartel Office to play an active role. The SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil had already made a similar statement. Such a special tax has already been introduced in Italy and Great Britain.
The fuel is too expensive? Are you looking for the cheapest gas station? Then download our refueling app. There you will find the lowest petrol prices in your area.
The TankenApp is a product of Ströer Media Brands GmbH, to which GIGA also belongs.
Tank Discount: Prices are not decreasing as intended
The fuel discount reduces the energy tax for petrol by 30 cents per liter and for diesel by 16.7 cents per liter. However, drivers noticed on the first day that the discount did not reach them in full. Added to that is the petroleum industry raised prices again shortly before launch. However, the companies are not legally obliged to pass on the tax reduction to customers.