The reduction in the energy tax on fuels, which was lifted at midnight, is clearly noticeable at many petrol stations.
This is shown by a quick evaluation of the prices at almost 400 gas stations in Munich, Berlin and Hamburg between 6 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. on Thursday by the German Press Agency using ADAC fuel price data.
The prices at many gas stations were significantly higher than in the same period on Wednesday.
E10 premium petrol cost more than 2 euros on Thursday morning at most of the gas stations surveyed.
On Wednesday morning, not a single gas station examined had priced beyond this threshold.
Diesel, on the other hand, already cost more than 2 euros at the majority of the gas stations surveyed on Wednesday.
Arithmetically, the price of the E10 could increase by 17 cents as a result of the repeal of the 35 cent tax cut for diesel.
However, prices had already risen significantly in the past two weeks.
In addition, petrol station operators also bought at the reduced tax rate until Wednesday and could therefore initially sell petrol and diesel more cheaply.
So it could be a while before the cancellation of the tax cut - also known as the tank discount - has a full impact on customers.
In the meantime, tank tourism to France is becoming more worthwhile: in our neighboring country, the discount at the pump increases from 18 cents in September and October to 30 cents per liter of petrol or diesel.
In the following months, the tank discount should then melt away in France as well.
In November and December it is to be reduced to 10 cents and phased out completely at the end of the year.