High fuel prices: Does the “tank discount” really help?

High fuel prices Does the “fuel discount” really make a difference? As of: October 29, 2026 • 3:23 p.m

A new “tank discount” has been in effect since October 1st. According to experts, the oil companies only pass on some of the savings to drivers. The industry's interest group disagrees.

Anja Genehr regularly fills up her tank in the morning before work. It is about 100 kilometers from her home in Oberhausen to Witten and back. The drive to the gas station is always a roller coaster ride of emotions for her: "Anger, crying, the question: why? When will it get better?" Fuel prices well over two euros for gasoline determine the everyday life of the office clerk.

In order to relieve the burden on commuters like Anja Genehr, a new “fuel discount” has been in effect since October 1st. By the end of December, the federal government had reduced energy tax by 14 cents per liter, plus a three cent reduction in VAT. This should result in a saving of 17 cents at the pump. Anja Genehr doesn't notice much of it: "I think this "fuel discount" is ridiculous. For me it saves me six to seven euros. I fill up two to three times a month. Sure, if you extrapolate that, you could use the money to eat out, but basically it's a joke."

On October 28th, a liter of premium gasoline cost a nationwide average of 2.13 euros. The price for a liter of diesel was 2.29 euros. On average over the last 60 days, the price of a liter of petrol has fallen sharply, while the price of a liter of diesel has barely fallen. Because diesel is more important for industry and is also used as a replacement for gas, the price of diesel is significantly more vulnerable to crises.

Regardless of the “tank discount”, the price of crude oil has recently risen again. This is due, among other things, to damaged pipelines in Saudi Arabia and to the Houthi rebels, who have been controlling a strait that is important for exports since the beginning of September. "In the end it's about: Is there enough fuel on the world market? The answer so far is: no," says Thomas Puls from the German Economic Institute (IW). According to the economist and transport and infrastructure expert, the “central variable” on which the price of fuel depends is the world market price for gasoline and diesel.

Nevertheless, four weeks after its reintroduction, the “fuel discount” remains controversial. Calculations by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) from October 15th showed that almost two thirds of the discount has so far reached consumers. According to estimates from the Munich Ifo Institute, the petroleum concerts almost completely passed on the discount on gasoline between October 21st and 27th. With diesel there is a difference of three cents. When it came to the “tank discount” in May and June, the Ifo Institute, the Monopolies Commission and the Federal Cartel Office came to the conclusion that the discount was not passed on in full. The oil industry denies this.

The number of gas stations that violate the 12 o'clock rule has fallen significantly. more

The Association of Gas Station Lessees and Gas Station Owners is critical of the “fuel discount” overall. Currently you actually pay less at the pump than without a discount. "The "tank discount" has achieved what it wanted to achieve," says Herbert Rabl, press spokesman for the petrol station interest association e.V. However, Rabl warns: "We are not satisfied with 'tank discounts' of all kinds. In the end, the petroleum companies swallow something up."

A fuel price cap, like the one the federal government has decided on for next year, could be a better measure, says Rabl: "Without a fuel price cap, we cannot control how much is ultimately passed on to the citizens." The oil companies would earn the money, not the gas station operators.

In France and Italy, large corporations are limiting prices at gas stations. Is that possible in Germany? more

The oil companies reject criticism. In writing, a spokesman for the Fuels and Energy trade association said: "When the tax relief began at midnight on October 1st, the branded gas stations reduced their prices by 17 cents per liter and are continuing to do so throughout. The "fuel discount" therefore reaches where it belongs: with the fuel customers." He sees the reasons for the high fuel prices in developments in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. “Only when there are signals of peace in these regions would a significant easing of prices be expected.”

For Anja Genehr it is irrelevant why the price of fuel is so high. She demands: "Make fuel as cheap as it was two or three years ago, with 1.60 for the Super. Then we can all live with that." Only then can she commute to work again with less frustration and worry.

This topic in the program: MDR aktuell - The news radio | News | Oct 29, 2026 | 1:34 p.m