German regulators intensify probe of fuel price compliance and violations

The Bundeskartellamt has continued its data‑driven investigation into the prices demanded by German refineries. President Andreas Mundt said that the first responses to the information requests have already been received and that the procedure against all refinery operators is proceeding as planned. The Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf upheld the obligation for the companies to provide the requested data.

In parallel, the Schleswig‑Holstein state government is reviewing roughly 21,000 suspected breaches of the 12‑o’clock rule at fuel stations. Each price change for a fuel type after 12 p.m. counts as a separate violation, so the tally can rise quickly. The figures are preliminary; fines may be imposed after the final assessment. The rule, introduced in April, limits stations to a single price change per day and was prompted by sharp price increases linked to the Iran‑War and the Hormuz Strait blockade. The federal government also cut the energy tax on gasoline and diesel by about 17 cents per litre in May and June to ease the burden on consumers.