Spritpreise: Irankrieg treibt Benzinpreise auf Höchststand

Since the resurgence of the Iran War, Super unleaded gasoline with E10 composition has reached its peak. On Wednesday, the average daily price for a liter surged to 2.215 euros, surpassing the previous record of 2.203 euros from March 2022, reported the ADAC upon request on Thursday. This represents a nominal price record. Adjusted for inflation, gasoline had previously been more expensive, such as in 2012.

The United States had recently resumed attacks on Iran, to which Iran retaliated with counterattacks. This renewed escalation has driven up oil prices once again. Low water levels on the Rhine also contributed to rising transport costs recently. E10 is the most affordable common gasoline type in Germany, typically 5 to 6 cents cheaper than Super E5, which can contain less bioethanol.

Rising gasoline prices often trigger calls for relief for drivers. From early May to the end of June, a tank rebate of 16.7 cents per liter was in effect, costing the federal government around 1.6 billion euros according to the Finance Ministry's estimate. The federal government has so far declined to renew it. Germany's state finances are in the red due to the debt-financed investment package.

Nominal price records do not indicate how much of their income citizens must spend on energy, food, etc. in percentage terms, as both prices and wages are rising. The inflation rate was therefore always adjusted. Inflation was 2.9 percent overall in August due to the Iran War. A few cents per kilometer When a tank fill-up costs significantly over 100 euros, it hurts the driver.

However, the impact of gasoline prices on the total cost per kilometer driven is manageable. Even if gasoline prices rise by 50 cents per liter - which would still be more than the current increase for E10 compared to pre-war values - it makes the individual kilometer driven only 4 cents more expensive for a car with an 8-liter consumption rate.

Other cost factors such as depreciation in newer cars are significantly larger. In the current car cost statistics from the ADAC, only a few vehicles have kilometer costs of less than 40 cents per kilometer.