A consumer advice association manager criticized the planned fuel tax cut days before its expected passage. She argued that while the tax reduction for motorists was intended to help, the benefits did not reach all consumers effectively and that it was an expensive measure. Instead, she advocated for a broad reduction in overall energy costs. This suggestion echoes the advice from the EU Commission, which has pointed out that Germany’s electricity prices are among the highest, suggesting a reduction in the EU minimum electricity tax. The current plan is to lower gasoline prices for all drivers by about 17 cents per liter through reduced fuel energy taxes.
According to Pop, the fuel discount would also benefit people who do not need financial assistance. Therefore, the consumer protection advocate is calling for more targeted relief, stating that they have long advocated for direct payments to low-income households to ease financial burdens directly and simply during times of crisis.
However, she supported the plan from the Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil (SPD), to fund the fuel discount using a temporary windfall tax on mineral oil corporations. Additionally, Pop demanded stricter regulation of oil companies, arguing that rules are necessary to ensure that these corporations do not profit at the expense of consumers.
Furthermore, Pop view price caps, such as those already implemented in Luxembourg and Belgium, as fundamentally feasible, suggesting this needs more consideration. She also urged the government to prepare a better overall mix of measures to cushion against sudden price increases. Critically, she emphasized that any implemented relief measures must ensure that the tax money reaches the citizens in full.