The German Bundestag present voted on a bill aimed at reducing the increase in fuel prices. Its main presumption is to introduce the rule that petrol stations will be able to rise prices only erstwhile a day.
If the task is besides adopted by the Bundesrat, the second Chamber of the German Parliament, then in the future
fuel prices in Germany can only be raised
noon. Price reductions are possible at any time.
Up to EUR 100 000 will be punishable for violating this rule. fresh regulations are expected to enter into force before Easter.
According to the Bundestag package, anti-trust law is besides to be tightened to prevent the dominant position of oil companies.
Companies in Germany will besides be obliged to increase the transparency of their pricing policy. In the event of sharp increases, the burden of proof will be reversed, companies will gotta show that price increases are justified. The Antitrust Authority is besides expected to receive wider powers and to check and block price increases more quickly.
At the same time, the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz announces the next steps. Merz has already declared that the package "is not adequate to lower prices to a level acceptable to consumers". Among the solutions considered are: temporary simplification of the energy tax, higher relief for commuters, the introduction of maximum fuel prices and the taxation on extraordinary profits imposed on companies.
APW, PAP
