GERMANY – Diesel Price Breaks All-Time Record

MUNICH, September 17 /ATSH-DPA/ – Diesel prices in Germany hit a new record, reaching a national average of 2.453 euros (2.81 dollars) per litre today, while in Dresden it reached 2.738 euros, according to data published by the automobile organisation ADAC, increasing pressure on the government to draw up a plan that eases the burden on drivers.

Fuel prices in Germany have risen sharply since the start of the conflict involving Iran and the disruption of maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz.

Petrol also reached a new national record of 2.314 euros (2.65 dollars) per litre, according to ADAC.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced yesterday that the government would “react to the excessive price increase”, but he has not yet revealed any concrete measures.

His conservatives and the small coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), have different views on how best to address the issue.

While the SPD has called for a tax on the excessive profits of oil companies, Merz has rejected this idea.

However, calls on the chancellor to act quickly are growing, including from within his own conservatives’ ranks.

“People don’t need the prospect of relief. They need real relief”, said Thorsten Frei, head of the conservative bloc’s parliamentary group.