During the discussion concerning sharply rising fuel prices, the Taxpayer Association has advocated for greater relief for commuters. Reiner Holznagel, the association’s president, told the “Bild” (Saturday edition) that “high petrol prices particularly affect commuters who have no choice”. According to Holznagel, the current mileage allowance of 38 cents is no longer sufficient. He is demanding at least 45 cents per kilometer, with this change effective retroactively to January 1st.
In contrast, Michael Kießling, the CSU politician and spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on tourism, called for swift action from the antitrust authority against the oil and gas conglomerates, even over Easter. Speaking to the newspaper, he stated, “Holidays are no reason to stand idly by. We granted the Federal Cartel Office far-reaching intervention rights against inflationary pricing on petrol. Now, they must use these rights offensively to protect citizens and the economy”. Kießling characterized the substantial price hikes of recent days as a challenge orchestrated by the major oil companies against the state. “The Cartel Office must act” he insisted. “Because it gives the impression that the oil conglomerates are seeking a power struggle with the state-first with threats of supply shortages, and now with ‘a massive price offensive during the Easter travel period.'”