Germany sees record fuel price swings as 12‑pm rule takes effect

The German ADAC reports that the 12‑pm price‑adjustment rule, introduced on 1 April, has led to unprecedented daily fuel‑price differences. On an average day the spread between the highest and lowest price is 14.6 cents per litre for Super E10 and 18.4 cents per litre for diesel. A driver who fills a 50‑litre tank at the cheapest time – usually just before noon – can save about €7.30 on Super E10 and €9.20 on diesel.

The ADAC warns that overall price levels have risen since the rule’s introduction, attributing the sharp midday jumps partly to risk‑premiums added by oil companies rather than crude‑oil price changes. The rule follows the Austrian model and was adopted after a March price surge linked to the Iraq war.

In parallel, the federal government plans to let the 17‑cent‑per‑litre tank discount (Tankrabatt) expire on 1 July. The CDU/CSU‑SPD coalition agreed to end the measure, with Bundestag members Sepp Müller (CDU) and Armand Zorn (SPD) confirming the decision. Zorn said, “Wir haben nach langen Beratungen entschieden, dass wir den Tankrabatt … auslaufen lassen werden.” Müller added, “Es ist finanzpolitisch nicht sinnvoll … wir können es uns in der aktuellen Lage nicht leisten, Schulden dafür aufzunehmen.” The government is discussing alternative relief options such as targeted subsidies, a higher commuter allowance, lower energy taxes, a possible fuel‑price cap, and an over‑profit tax on oil firms.