The eastern German states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are advocating for the extension of the fuel discount until the crisis in the Gulf region subsides. According to reporting by the “Rheinische Post”, the states intend to tie the relief on the mineral oil tax-currently scheduled to end at the close of June-to the resolution of geopolitical tensions in the area.
This joint demand originates from a resolution motion put forward by the state governments themselves. While the states welcome the temporary 17-cent brutal reduction of the energy tax, they highlight that the current negotiation status does not suggest a rapid end to the crisis in the Middle East or an immediate stabilization of global trade. Consequently, they argue that the ongoing financial relief must be contingent upon the resolution of the Gulf crisis and the normalization of crude oil prices.
The states emphasized that the measures proposed by the federal government, which only provide relief for two months, are insufficient to alleviate the burden on consumers and businesses currently grappling with the economic fallout of the crisis.