German Green Party leader Philipp Türmer is calling for a price cap on gasoline amid steep fuels inflation. He told the “Handelsblatt” (Wednesday edition) that “we need a gas price ceiling that ends the robbery at the pumps”. The call comes after prices for petrol spiked following the outbreak of the Iran war. On Monday, the average national price for E10 petrol was more than €2 per litre- the highest since May 2022. Diesel followed at €2.171 per litre.
Türmer said that the near‑€2 per litre cost, 20 cents higher than a few weeks ago, is “utterly absurd”. He accuses oil companies of exploiting the Iranian crisis “shamelessly” for speculation and excess profits, “stealing from people’s backs”. He insists that a quick cap is required.
His fellow Green politician, Jochen Ott, echoed the sentiment. “The rise in gasoline and diesel prices is simply unacceptable” he said. “I want the finance minister to announce concrete measures this week to stop the oil giants from overcharging”. Ott-currently the SPD’s lead candidate for the North Rhine‑Westphalia state election-added that future crises‑related windfalls should be taxable, and that the proper legal framework is needed.
CDU politicians remain sceptical about hard price limits. “The competition authority already has sharp tools to tackle price drivers” said CDU economics spokesman Sepp Müller. He said the coalition will closely monitor the market and, next week, will interview the heads of the fossil fuel firms and discuss possible measures internally.
The German Environmental Aid (DUH) has demanded that the price of the “Deutschlandticket” be lowered back to a maximum of €49. DUH’s national director Jürgen Resch explained that the extremely high petrol prices force people to see how costly dependence on fossil‑powered cars really is. “Those who need to be mobile every day require a reliable and affordable alternative. That is precisely what the Deutschlandticket was created for. Raising its price to €63 was a mistake and erodes the success model step by step” Resch said.
Resch argued that the focus should shift from occasional discussions about state relief on fuel costs to a permanent, comprehensive revision of the Deutschlandticket price. He also calls for additional discounts for children, youth, apprentices, students and pensioners – a €29 price for those groups.
“Public money should not subsidise fossil fuel production but strengthen public transport. Germany needs a cheap, reliable, and well‑connected public transport system. Invest in buses and trains to relieve households, protect the climate and health, and save the economy billions by reducing traffic jams, air pollution, and climate damage” Resch concluded. “The federal and state governments must finally make buses and trains a real alternative to the car”.