SPD faction deputy Armand Zorn welcomed a possible increase in the commuter allowance and a reduction in the electricity tax. However, he also called for a cap on fuel prices and a so-called “excess profit tax”. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Zorn stated, “We must assume that gasoline prices will remain high for the time being, which is why we now need targeted and effective relief measures that are implemented promptly”.
The SPD politician, who is leading the respective party’s fuel price task force alongside Union deputy Sepp Müller, added that “an increase in the commuter allowance can be a good way to specifically relieve commuters. Furthermore, reducing the electricity tax can contribute to easing the burden on citizens and gradually reducing dependence on oil and gas”.
Regarding corporate profits, Zorn insisted, “We must ensure consistently that the money does not stay in the pockets of the oil and mineral companies. Therefore, I consider introducing a fuel price cap useful, as it limits the margins of these corporations”. He also stressed the need for an excess profit tax designed to “capture excessively high profits due to the crisis in the energy sector, such as after the Ukraine crisis” and return this money to consumers.