Germany and Austria face higher fuel prices after tax rebate ends

The temporary 17‑cent‑per‑litre fuel tax rebate (the "Tankrabatt") that ran from 1 May to 30 June 2026 ended on 1 July, prompting fuel prices to rise again. In Germany, average prices recorded by ADAC on the first day after the rebate ceased were €2.016 per litre for Super E10 gasoline and €1.959 per litre for diesel, with prices having begun to climb a day before the rebate’s expiry. An Ifo Institute analysis found that the rebate was only partially passed on to consumers, especially for diesel, where only about 73 % of the tax cut reached the pump.

In Austria, fuel prices also increased after the rebate’s removal. Diesel averaged €1.742 per litre and Super 95 €1.688 per litre, still cheaper than in Italy, France or Germany but more expensive than in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Croatia. Significant regional price variation exists within Austria; for example, diesel costs €1.719 in Burgenland versus €1.789 in Tirol. The ARBÖ advises motorists to plan routes, compare prices via apps, avoid highway stations where premiums can reach €0.48 per litre, and consider modest driving habits to reduce consumption.

The price movements occur against a backdrop of fluctuating oil markets, with Brent crude dropping to around $70.71 per barrel, its lowest level since late February 2026.