Federal government's fuel price package to be completed by early April - Germany races to cap soaring fuel prices with strict new rules by April
The German government is rushing to finalise a fuel price relief package by early April. The move comes as drivers face record costs, with petrol and diesel prices climbing well above the European average. Officials have now outlined strict new rules to curb sudden price hikes and improve transparency at the pumps.
A cross-party task force recently met with oil firms and industry groups to tackle soaring fuel costs. In 2023, German drivers paid an average of €1.849 per litre for Super petrol and €1.737 for diesel—higher than most EU countries due to steep taxes. These figures appear to have pushed the government into action.
Under the proposed law, service stations would only be allowed to adjust prices once per day. Companies must also justify any increases, reversing the usual burden of proof. The Federal Cartel Office will gain stronger powers to scrutinise and block wholesale price markups. To ease market pressure, Berlin plans to release parts of its strategic oil reserves. Parliament is set to begin reviewing the draft law this week, with the aim of passing it by late March or early April.
The new measures target both fairness and stability in fuel pricing. If approved, they will limit daily price changes and force suppliers to explain cost rises. The government expects the changes to bring relief to drivers while easing volatility in the market.
