Germany's fuel prices near €2 per litre as Iran war escalates costs
Fuel prices in Germany have surged again, hitting nearly €2 per litre for Superbenzin (E10) by early March 2026. The latest spike follows the escalation of the Iran war in late February, adding further strain on households already facing higher costs since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, German fuel prices have remained volatile. After an initial sharp rise due to energy market disruptions, costs stabilised briefly before climbing once more. By March 2026, drivers now pay €10 to €20 extra for a single tank compared to pre-war levels.
Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party, has called for urgent government action. He proposes capping oil prices to relieve financial pressure on citizens. Van Aken also criticises oil companies for profiting excessively from the crisis and demands stronger intervention. To ease the burden, he suggests reintroducing the €9 public transport ticket, making travel more affordable. However, he rejects adopting Austria's fuel pricing model, arguing it would fail to address the current emergency. Without measures to curb rising costs, he warns, inflation will worsen, further squeezing household budgets.
The Left Party's proposals include an oil price cap and cheaper public transport to offset soaring fuel expenses. Van Aken insists the government must challenge oil companies and prevent further price hikes. Without intervention, the financial strain on drivers and commuters is set to deepen.
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