Because gasoline prices have risen sharply, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has urged that price increases be limited to once a day. “When the price at a petrol station is raised multiple times a day, it reeks of gouging” the minister told “Spiegel”. “In Austria this is already prohibited. From my view it would be useful for us to take a cue from that and tighten the pricing‑information rules”.
Millions of commuters will feel the impact of the high fuel costs in their pockets. She says she can readily understand why many are calling for action. “Social market economy also means the government must ensure that life remains affordable” Hubig added. “And above all it must not stand idle while corporations exploit a crisis for maximum profit”.
The SPD members of the Bundestag back the minister. “The ability to raise prices should only be allowed once a day” says deputy SPD group leader Armand Zorn. “Currently, filling stations change their prices an average of 18 times a day. No consumer can keep track or find the cheapest station”.
Whether the coalition partner will concede is unclear. In response to “Spiegel”‘s request, the CDU parliamentary group signalled at least tentative openness. Consumer‑policy spokesperson Sebastian Steineke said that long‑term solutions are needed because the fuel‑price problem has existed even before the Iran crisis. “It may be worthwhile to look at other countries, for instance Austria” he said. “Everything that could help in Germany should be considered”.