The German federal government faces heavy criticism from citizens for its approach to tackling high petrol prices.
According to an Insa survey commissioned by “Bild am Sonntag”, 75 % of respondents believe the government is doing insufficiently to curb the rising costs of gasoline and diesel, while only 13 % consider the current measures adequate.
The proposed new regulation for gas stations also fails to win broad support. Seventy‑seven % – 67 % of those polled – doubt that limiting price increases to one per day will lower fuel costs, whereas just 22 % expect it will.
In contrast, there is clear majorities in favor of relief through other means. Seventy‑six % back a reduction in taxes and levies on petrol and diesel (15 % are opposed).
Sixty‑eight % support the idea that the state should capture the so‑called “surplus profits” of petroleum companies, with 14 % against.
The survey, conducted by the polling institute Insa, included 1,001 participants between 12 March and 13 March 2026.