Bundeskartellamt statement on fuel prices and the reduction of the energy tax

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: "We have been witnessing a decoupling of crude oil prices and sales prices charged by refineries and petrol stations for months and are therefore carefully monitoring the price development. In view of the upcoming tax reductions as of 1 June we have even intensified our monitoring activities. Additionally, we have launched an inquiry into refineries and wholesalers in an attempt to create maximum transparency for the entire fuel market.
Although there is no legally binding obligation to pass on 100 percent of the tax reductions, the oil companies are under close scrutiny by the Bundeskartellamt. As a competition authority we cannot simply prohibit high or even very high prices. We can end anticompetitive conduct and impose high fines. However, we do not have any indications of such a conduct at the moment. There are many reasons for high prices, which can even occur if there is effective competition. The fuel market, however, is only subject to limited competition, which is why we are going to keep a close watch on the sector. "

Fuel prices in May (see illustration/only German)

The prices for E5 and E10 fuels increased on average by approximately 15 cents in May. The diesel fuel price decreased on average by approximately three cents.

We have seen an average price increase by approximately six cents for E5 and E10 fuels and by approximately five cents for diesel fuel since the middle of last week (25 May).