Hesse's minister demands action on soaring fuel prices and driver training reforms
Hessian Minister Calls for Crackdown on Crisis Profiteering by Oil Companies at Lindau Transport Conference
At the close of the Transport Ministers' Conference in Lindau, Hessian Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport and Deputy Minister-President Kaweh Mansoori demanded measures to curb excessive profits by oil companies amid the current crisis. He also welcomed the proposed key reforms for driver training but stressed that cost reductions must go hand in hand with road safety. He urged swift, pragmatic solutions for contentious issues—such as layperson-led driving instruction—while ensuring careful oversight during both planning and implementation.
"Fuel prices have surged dramatically since the start of the Iran conflict," Mansoori said. "This is hitting commuters, families, and businesses alike—especially in passenger and freight transport. Those who turn war and hardship into a business opportunity are acting unethically and irresponsibly."
The minister made clear that global market trends alone do not explain the price hikes: "We're seeing that increases at German gas stations are often far higher than what can be justified by crude oil prices or comparisons with other EU countries. Exploiting the situation to extract excessive profits at the expense of consumers and businesses is unacceptable."
While Mansoori welcomed the federal government's initial fuel relief measures, he called for further action: "Limits on how often prices can rise at the pump, stronger oversight to prevent abuse, and streamlined antitrust procedures are all essential. Every possible measure must be on the table. If crisis-driven windfall profits become a business model, policymakers must intervene."
Exploring a Temporary Windfall Tax
Mansoori endorsed the conference's call for additional tools to address the issue: "We must examine the reintroducing of a temporary windfall tax. The state has shown in past crises that it can regulate extraordinary crisis profits for a limited time—that's exactly what we need now," he said. "The key is ensuring such a tax isn't just another revenue stream but makes excessive profits so unappealing that they never materialize in the first place. It's encouraging that the states are also discussing public relief measures. At the very least, the taxes and levies on these inflated prices should now be returned to consumers and businesses."
The reform of driver training was another focal point in Lindau. Mansoori emphasized the need for reliable conditions for driving schools and learners: "The uncertainty facing driving schools and students must end. Anyone getting their license today needs predictability—in terms of process, cost, and prospects."
Hesse supports the proposed reform framework but ties it to clear conditions. "We want to lower the cost of obtaining a license, but not at the expense of road safety," Mansoori stated. "The current proposals include many pragmatic approaches: more digital elements in theory lessons, flexible models for special drives, and greater recognition of prior driving experience. This is a positive step toward ensuring social inclusion while cutting red tape."
Careful Scrutiny of Controversial Measures
At the same time, Mansoori cautioned that contentious issues require thorough review: "Some European countries have had positive experiences with layperson-led instruction, but these must be adapted judiciously. We need a detailed assessment of how such a model would fit into German law, followed by a clear evaluation after implementation. If we take new paths, we must prove they maintain—or better yet, improve—road safety. Anything less would be a mistake."
For Hesse, swift implementation of the driving school reforms is non-negotiable. "Enrollment numbers have noticeably dropped since the reform was announced, showing just how deep the uncertainty runs," Mansoori said. "That's why we need both speed and clarity."
Minister Mansoori linked both issues to a broader demand for federal and state transport policy, stating: "This conference makes one thing clear: It's about more than just individual measures. It's about how we can ensure mobility in times of crisis is fair, affordable, and safe."
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