Former head of the Monopol Commission, Achim Wambach, urged both the federal government and the Federal Cartel Office to keep a close eye on gasoline‑price developments and to prepare for potential market interventions.
In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Wambach noted that “when world‑market prices rise, station prices rise as well”. He argued that this is initially more evidence of a functioning market than of market distortions. Still, he cautioned the Kartellamt to scrutinize price trends to check whether dominant suppliers might exploit the situation for excessive hikes. Wambach added that the Monopol Commission cannot enforce penalties, so it has no role in this matter.
He also called on the government to monitor global market signals closely, emphasizing that oil and gas are vital to the German economy. While it is too early for concrete measures, a sustained price shock could make interventions necessary, and these should be prepared in advance.