Hohe Spritpreise: Benzinpreise bleiben oben - Ruf nach Spritpreisdeckel

The ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East has driven gasoline prices higher at gas stations over the weekend. On Saturday, the average price for Super E10 was 2.27 euros per liter across Germany. Diesel drivers paid nearly 2.40 euros per liter, according to data from the "Tankerkönig" fuel price portal. Regional and certain times saw prices significantly higher.

A steep price surge on Saturday at 12:00 AM was prompted by reports that Saudi Arabia, following Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait and concerns over the Bab al-Mandab strait's increasing threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen, may also need to shut down a key pipeline. This East-West pipeline can transport large oil volumes from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and was temporarily shut down following attacks on the line in Riyadh and Medina regions.

An additional drop in Saudi exports could push the oil price even higher. On Sunday, there was some relief in the fuel price, likely due to talks planned in Oman. Iran and Persian Gulf states were set to discuss Hormuz on Monday, with foreign ministers from Iran, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia attending.

Calls for relief for consumers Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke called for a swift cap on fuel prices. "We urgently need a fuel price ceiling," said the SPD politician to Deutsche Presse-Agentur. "Mineral oil giants cannot profit excessively while millions of commuters despair over the excessively high fuel prices."

He stressed that "no one should enrich themselves at the expense of others' plight. Justice must also apply at the gas station." The government chief points to relief for consumers in other nations. "Our neighbors have long warned us about how the populace can be relieved at the pump. In Luxembourg, Poland, Belgium, or even the Czech Republic, maximum prices are regularly flexibly adjusted to market conditions," said Woidke.

"This promises falling fuel prices for all consumers and gives planning certainty." Higher oil price - rising fuel prices The Iran war has driven fuel prices up for months. They rose again in recent days amid higher oil prices. Over the past two weeks, conflicts across the Middle East have intensified. Brent crude oil has risen almost 80 percent since the start of the year.

European natural gas and tanker freight rates have also risen sharply. The refinery products such as diesel have risen even more, fueled by the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war. The fuel rebate ended at the end of June, leaving fuel prices to rise despite the 12:00 PM rule for price hikes at the pumps. Fuel prices keep going up Despite the 12 PM rule for price increases at gas stations, fuel prices are on the rise.

In the SPD, there are more and more voices demanding a limit. Federal Economics Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU) has so far rejected a fuel price cap. In June, Brandenburg's Transport Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) had proposed that the Bund legally cap the price surge at no more than five percent at noon. Economically, state relief for the price surge is seen with skepticism.

Relief through state aid was criticized by economic experts. Monika Schnitzer, in a column for the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger", warned that the military offensive by the Iran-aligned Huthi militia in Yemen would lead to further increases in consumer prices in Germany. Unlike hoped, the situation did not calm down; quite the opposite, she told the newspaper.

"This will also be noticeable in the prices at the gas station and overall consumer prices and burden us all." She warned against calling for new state relief, saying the best response was not to call for new state aid but to seek greater independence from fossil fuels. Individual contributions towards a solution could be made by anyone at their next car or heating purchase, she said.