Germany's fuel prices hit record levels, SPD calls for price cap

Diesel and gasoline prices in Germany have surged to around €2.16‑€2.22 per litre, approaching historic highs. The rise is linked to heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, especially the Iran‑Houthi conflict that has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and lifted Brent crude from roughly $85 to $91 per barrel. ADAC data show diesel up 9.8 cents and super E10 up 6.3 cents week‑over‑week.

The government has let the temporary fuel‑tax rebate (“Tankrabatt”) expire and, citing a tight budget, rejects further state intervention. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche says a new price‑cap would cost billions and is not feasible. In contrast, SPD General‑Secretary Tim Klüssendorf and other SPD figures such as Alexander Schweitzer demand a statutory fuel‑price ceiling modeled on Luxembourg and Belgium.

Analysts note Europe’s diesel inventories are at a seasonal low, refinery margins are at record levels, and Russia’s diesel export ban adds pressure. Some consumers report savings of up to €40 per tank‑fill when fueling abroad. TotalEnergies has re‑introduced a price‑cap on its French network, but the German government has no plans to follow suit. Enforcement of the 12‑hour price‑change rule remains uneven, with only Niedersachsen issuing warnings for violations.