Hubig to Implement Daily Rule for Fuel Prices for at Least a Year - Germany may cap daily fuel price hikes to ease driver costs
A new rule is set to change how fuel prices are adjusted in Germany. Under the proposal, petrol stations will only be allowed to raise prices once a day, mirroring a system already in place in Austria. The move aims to give drivers more predictability and help them save money by timing their refuelling.
The plan comes from Stefanie Hubig, Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection in Rhine-Palatinate. She wants to introduce a 'once-a-day' price increase rule for at least a year. The decision now lies with Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU).
Austria adopted a similar regulation in 2011, limiting price hikes to once daily at 12:00 PM while allowing unlimited decreases. This approach made prices more stable and transparent, with mornings and evenings often cheaper than afternoons. Studies suggest it also boosted competition and kept Austrian fuel costs below the Eurozone average, partly due to lower taxes. The system was recently extended until 2028, with a weekly cap of three increases. Hubig rejected calls to bring back the previous fuel discount scheme, calling it 'very expensive for the state and taxpayers' and doubting its impact. Instead, the new rule would let consumers compare prices more easily and choose when to fill up. They could avoid higher midday costs by refuelling earlier or later in the day.
If approved, the measure will force petrol stations to adjust prices only once per day. Drivers will know exactly when to expect changes, making it simpler to find the best deals. The rule follows Austria's model, which has already shown benefits in price stability and consumer trust.
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