Gasoline and diesel: Fuel is more expensive in most of Germany's neighboring countries

Gasoline and diesel were recently cheaper at German gas stations or about as expensive as in most of the direct EU neighboring countries.

On June 20, motorists in Germany paid an average daily price of EUR 1.97 for a liter of Super E5 and EUR 2.06 per liter of diesel, the Federal Statistical Office announced on Monday in Wiesbaden.

Compared to Germany's direct neighbors, premium petrol of the E5 grade (or Eurosuper 95) was only lower on that day in Poland (1.70 euros), the Czech Republic (1.93 euros) and Luxembourg (1.94 euros).

Diesel was also cheaper in Poland (EUR 1.69), the Czech Republic (EUR 1.93) and Luxembourg (EUR 2.00) than in Germany.

In Denmark, on the other hand, a liter of petrol recently cost 2.44 euros, in the Netherlands 2.36 euros and in France 2.13 euros.

The reason for the recently relatively moderate fuel prices in Germany is likely to be the temporary reduction in energy tax on fuels as of June 1st, the statisticians said.

As recently as May 30, premium petrol was only more expensive in the neighboring EU countries in Denmark and the Netherlands than in Germany, diesel only in Denmark, according to the authorities.

The tax reduction on fuels, including VAT, is 35.2 cents for premium petrol and 16.7 cents for diesel.

But not all of it reached consumers.

According to statisticians, petrol prices at petrol stations in June were lower than before the reduction in the energy tax on fuels: on May 31, E5 still cost 2.21 euros per liter.

Diesel, on the other hand, was slightly more expensive than on May 31st.

At that time, a liter cost 2.04 euros.

The statisticians base the information on figures from the European Commission and the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels at the Federal Cartel Office.

Lindner against continuation of the tank discount and 9-euro ticket

Meanwhile, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) has drawn a positive balance after the first few weeks of the tank discount.

At the same time, he dampened expectations that there could be follow-up rules for tank discounts and 9-euro tickets in September.

"We cannot compensate for the long-term increase in prices for imported oil, the development of the dollar and the shortages in refineries with state money," Lindner told the dpa news agency.

Recently there was a debate about the question of whether the mineral oil trade would pass on the temporary reduction in energy tax on fuels to the end customer.

“The price level at the pump has fallen significantly in recent weeks.

The development is better than abroad.

The relief is noticeable for commuters and drivers,” said the FDP leader.

The temporary tax cut also contributes to the state not becoming a winner from inflation.

“We charge energy and VAT on fuel.

In view of the increased world market price, the state's revenues would increase this year.

That's why we lowered the energy tax for three months in order to give car payers back some of what they would otherwise pay more to the state," said Lindner.

Motorists should not be disproportionately burdened.

He rejected demands that there should be follow-up rules for tank discounts and 9-euro tickets in September.

The important effect of the price signal was also canceled with the 9-euro ticket.

“Steps towards free public transport are critical, because shortages cannot then be controlled via price.” Without prices, there would be a risk that capacities would be used unnecessarily and excessively.

As a state relief measure in the coming year, the FDP politician is counting on higher benefits for recipients of basic security and an adjustment of wage and income tax to inflation.