In a joint resolution with Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bremen is calling on the federal government to once again—just as in 2023—claw back windfall profits from oil corporations and redirect them toward targeted relief measures and structural reforms to ensure a secure and affordable energy supply.
Bremen demands windfall tax on oil firms to fund energy reforms
The war in the Middle East continues to drastically exacerbate tensions in energy markets, while the pricing policies of major oil companies are facing mounting criticism. Since rising fuel prices at the pump cannot always be fully explained by increased crude oil costs, Bremen is advocating for greater transparency, stricter enforcement of antitrust laws, and closer monitoring of price developments. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte sees a recurring pattern: "Just as they did during the Ukraine conflict in 2022, oil companies are shamelessly exploiting the crisis to line their pockets at consumers' expense. I can't explain why fuel prices in Germany have risen so much more sharply than in other countries!"
The Key to an Affordable Life
While short-term relief is essential, it is not enough. The real challenge lies in making energy supply crisis-proof in the long run—whether this can be achieved solely through the expansion of renewables, greater electrification, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, as the Senate insists, remains to be seen. Henrike Müller, Senator for the Environment, Climate, and Science, is convinced: "Renewable energy holds the key to affordable living, greater independence, stability, and security. Instead of slowing down climate action, the federal government must push for greater resilience."
Cutting the Electricity Tax
In its motion, Bremen is also demanding a reduction in the electricity tax to the EU minimum level. The same applies to the swift implementation of the industrial electricity price approved by the European Commission. This would provide the investment certainty that companies urgently need to drive forward the transition. The Bundesrat is set to debate the proposal today. One can only hope that cuts to the various fuel taxes will also be on the agenda.
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