CSU MP and finance policy expert Mechthilde Wittmann reacted with frustration to claims made by gas station operators suggesting they would be unable to reduce fuel prices as early as May 1st, even if the government implemented tax cuts. Speaking to the weekly magazine “Das Parlament”, which is published by the Bundestag administration, Wittmann stated, “I do not understand that” questioning the operators’ assessment. She argued that, in her view, the industry could certainly lower prices by at least nearly 17 cents by May 1st. She justified this belief by pointing out that station prices had already risen at a point in time when the consequences of the attack on Iran had not yet taken effect, characterizing this increase as having been “proactive”.
In addition, Wittmann is demanding that the Cartel Office quickly submits proposals for interventions in the gas station market, specifically to address potential “excess profits”. She elaborated that she advocated for imposing fines on elevated profits and recouping these overages, while stressing that businesses must still retain a certain profit margin for legitimate earnings. She clarified that the goal was not to confiscate profits earned in a commercially sound manner, but specifically to target market-exceeding profits.
In parallel discussions scheduled this week, the Bundestag will debate the temporary reduction of the energy tax on gasoline and diesel (the “fuel discount”) during its second and third readings. Separately, the Bundesrat is also set to approve this measure during an extraordinary session.