The tank discount is well received. But because prices still don’t fall as planned, the debate about possible extra profits at oil multinationals continues. The Federal President expresses understanding for the outrage.
The temporary reduction in mineral oil tax is popular. In a survey by the opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, 31 percent of those questioned fully supported the reduction. Another 28 percent were more likely to do so.
12 percent expressed a firm rejection. 18 percent tended to reject the measure. In order to relieve motorists in the face of rising energy prices, the federal government has reduced the mineral oil tax for June to August. The tax relief for petrol is 35.2 cents per liter and for diesel 16.7 cents. According to this, very few people waited until the end of the month to refuel. Only 18 percent said yes, 54 percent said no. 23 percent of those surveyed stated that they did not have a car.
The survey was conducted online between June 3rd and 7th. The results were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 18 and over.
Steinmeier can understand outrage at oil multinationals
Meanwhile, the debate about possible extra profits at big oil companies continues. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier understands the outrage of many people at persistently high fuel prices despite the introduction of the fuel discount. “I understand the resentment of the citizens when many have to limit themselves and make some extra profits,” said Steinmeier of the “Bild am Sonntag” with a view to the profits of the oil companies.
“We have to take the anger seriously. As important as it is that we tell the public that the state will not be able to compensate for every increase in prices, it is also important that we ensure that some people do not take unjustified advantages from the situation.” However, the government must answer the question of which instrument is the right one.
After falling in price as a result of the tax cut on June 1, fuel has become significantly more expensive again. Since the planned relief for the citizens threatens to fizzle out without effect, calls for action against the mineral oil companies are getting louder – also in politics.
The Bundeskartellamt noted critically that since the end of May the price at the gas station has risen more sharply than the price of crude oil if the tax cut is factored out. The petrol station industry accuses the oil multinationals of boosting their own profits and of having largely neutralized the tax break through higher prices in advance. The mineral oil industry association denies this and refers to higher procurement costs.
