In light of further rising fuel and gasoline prices caused by the war in Iran, the federal states are mounting additional pressure on Economy Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU).

Saarland’s Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger (SPD) told the “Rheinische Post” in its Friday edition that the federal Ministry of Economy must be asked to employ competition and antitrust instruments against such crisis profiteering. “The current surge in fuel prices literally hurts the accounts of the companies-gas stations are still selling petrol that was bought at much lower prices” she said.

Rehlinger stressed that, for the long‑term development of the country, it is essential for the situation around Iran to quickly become clearer and for the crisis to be calmed. “Unfortunately, there is still no truly strategic approach in sight, especially from the US President” she added.