Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has warned about potential kerosene shortages and called for measures to ensure a steady supply, which critics argue implies that his cabinet colleague, Katherina Reiche (CDU), is currently underestimating the risks. Speaking to Spiegel, he emphasized the need to take warnings of kerosene scarcity seriously and stated, “It is clear to me: we should not only address the price issue, but must also keep supply security in view at all times”.
This concern is underpinned by predictions from the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasting kerosene shortages across Europe as early as next month. Klingbeil expressed fears of prolonged effects stemming from the war in Iran, telling Spiegel that “we are in a situation that is similarly challenging to the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”. During his trip to Washington, where he participated in the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, these events reinforced his view, stating that “the discussions have shown me again that this crisis is bigger and more persistent than many believe”.
The prospect of a prolonged crisis also impacts the relief packages already approved by the federal government. The current fuel rebate of 17 cents per liter is only scheduled for two months, but Klingbeil anticipates a debate regarding its extension. He concluded, “We will continue to monitor developments very closely in this crisis”. Furthermore, Klingbeil linked his warnings about a significantly poorer economic outlook to an appeal to the coalition partner, stating, “I want us to initiate a large and, above all, just reform package. We must make the country more resilient and less dependent on fossil fuel imports”.
He cited the conflict in Iran as proof that energy independence is a central national question. Consequently, he pressed for the accelerated expansion of renewable energy sources and the speeding up of grid expansion, areas where he also held his cabinet colleague Reiche responsible. Klingbeil expressed dissatisfaction with several draft energy laws put forward by the Union woman’s ministry, fearing that the regulations might impede the installation of wind and solar power.