The sharp rise in fuel prices has sparked a political debate in Germany and Austria about relief measures and market monitoring. In Germany, the CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann advocated for a staggered reduction of the 'Energiesteuer' (energy tax) as soon as the petrol price exceeds the mark of 1.80 Euros per liter. This is intended to prevent mobility from becoming unaffordable for commuters and low-income earners. SPD Secretary-General Kevin Kühnert also sharply criticized the mineral oil companies, accusing them of taking advantage of the current market situation for excessive 'Margen' (margins).
In Austria, Minister for Economy Martin Kocher has initiated an official review of the recent price jumps. He instructed the Federal Competition Authority (BWB) to closely examine the pricing at petrol stations. The background for this is the suspicion that price increases for crude oil are passed on to consumers too quickly, while price reductions arrive only with a delay. Upper Austria's Provincial Councillor for Economy Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer supported this step, emphasizing that in times of high 'Inflation', any form of unjustified price gouging must be prevented. The oil companies reject the accusations, pointing to volatile world market prices and logistical challenges.
