Spritpreise: SPD-Fraktionsvize Zorn verteidigt Tankrabatt

SPD Fraktionsvize Armand Zorn backed the federal government's planned diesel fuel discount. Zorn argued that the discount would help "many people save money day by day." He stated that the decision to implement the discount hinged on a choice between inaction or reinstating the discount. The draft law for the discount was approved by the cabinet on Monday, and Zorn co-leads a coalition taskforce with CDU politician Sepp Müller.

According to Zorn, previous studies suggest that "largely" 80 to 90 percent of the discount was passed on to consumers. He added that the remaining 20 percent must be reclaimed. Zorn suggested that the combination of a fuel price cap, diesel discount, and pressure through cartel law would ensure that fuel companies would pass on the savings.

Despite criticism from Energy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), Zorn predicted that the fuel price cap would be implemented as a decision made by the "Chancellors and Ministers and the coalition in the Bund." The planned relief of up to 17 cents per liter of diesel is set to take effect from October 1 to December 31. After adding VAT, the total relief at the pump is estimated to be up to 17 cents per liter.

The coalition government aims to mitigate the significantly increased prices at fuel stations since the Iran War, with a similar discount having been provided in May and June. Back then, prices were substantially reduced, but the oil companies did not fully pass on the tax cut to motorists.