Fuel prices remain high in Germany as Poland cuts taxes

fuel prices diesel costs crude oil tax reduction refinery margins

Fuel prices in Germany remain high, with diesel costs notably exceeding gasoline despite tax advantages. While Brent crude oil prices have decreased, these savings have not been passed on to consumers. Experts attribute the high prices to several factors: the expiration of a 17-cent per liter fuel discount in June, increased refining costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting refinery production. Additionally, low water levels on the Rhine have complicated fuel transport in western Germany.

In response to high costs, Poland has implemented measures to provide relief. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a temporary reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on gasoline and diesel from 23 percent to 8 percent, effective until the end of the school holidays on August 31. The Polish government is also setting daily maximum retail prices for fuel to help mitigate the financial burden on consumers during the holiday season.

Entities

ADAC · Commerzbank · Donald Tusk · Greenpeace · Katharina Dröge · Shell · TotalEnergies

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge accused oil companies of profiting while families struggle financially. www.merkur.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] Low water levels on the Rhine due to drought are causing regional price differences in western Germany. blomberg-nachrichten.de
[● 2 SOURCES] A fuel tax discount of 17 cents per liter expired at the end of June. www.merkur.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The ADAC considers current fuel price levels to be significantly too high. blomberg-nachrichten.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The average price for diesel in Germany is approximately 2.200 euros per liter. blomberg-nachrichten.de · www.merkur.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Diesel production in June was less than half of the levels seen in 2025. www.merkur.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Diesel prices rose from an average of 1.883 euros in early June to 2.200 euros in mid-August. www.merkur.de · www.kreiszeitung.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The average price for Super E10 in Germany is approximately 2.125 euros per liter. blomberg-nachrichten.de