Sören Pellmann, the chair of the Left’s parliamentary group in the Bundestag, said to RTL and ntv that the party is pushing for a new 9‑Euro ticket in response to the latest spike in gasoline prices. He explained that the goal is to “create an offer that provides alternatives”.
Pellmann rejected a return to the fuel‑discount scheme that the former government introduced in summer 2022 to blunt fuel‑price increases. The discount, he said, never reached consumers and therefore was “rather unsuitable”.
Regarding the planned review of price jumps announced by Economy Minister Katrin Reiche, Pellmann called the timing late and stressed that concrete results are needed quickly. “I certainly welcome the announcement and think it is the right thing to do” he said, adding that the approach has been overdue. Requests for such a review had already emerged over the weekend.
He argued that clarity for consumers must come fast. “I hope this does not remain only an announcement but that Minister Reiche also moves into action” Pellmann said. “If the investigation drags on for weeks or months, it would be pointless for consumers”. When asked how soon a result should be available, he replied that it should be “actually by the beginning of next week”.