Fuel prices across Germany have spiked sharply following the expiration of the tax rebate, sparking criticism from consumer advocates.

Fuel prices at German gas stations have risen significantly after the midnight expiration of the fuel tax rebate. Nationwide averages for Super E10 and diesel now exceed €2 per liter, with midday prices climbing to €2.15 for Super E10 and €2.11 for diesel. According to ADAC data, these increases represent jumps of 18.2 cents and 20.4 cents per liter, respectively, compared to earlier in the day.

The price surge began even before the rebate officially ended. On Tuesday, the final day of the tax discount, fuel companies raised prices by 20.3 cents for Super E10 and 24 cents for diesel, pushing costs to €2.033 and €1.990 per liter, respectively. While prices briefly dipped by 6.5 cents for gasoline and 8.4 cents for diesel in the following hours, they quickly rebounded. Critics argue that these hikes were unjustified, as many stations still had lower-taxed fuel in their tanks.

Consumer advocates, including the ADAC, have condemned the premature price increases, calling them questionable and unfair. ADAC noted that the rebate rollback was effectively implemented ahead of schedule, as fuel companies avoided significant price reductions on Tuesday. Tomaso Duso, chair of the Monopolies Commission, echoed these concerns, stating that the rebate’s end had been preemptively factored into prices. Duso criticized fuel companies for using the rebate’s expiration to expand their profit margins, with only 7 to 11 cents of the 17-cent rebate reaching consumers in recent days.

The Monopolies Commission had previously warned that the rebate was not being fully passed on to consumers. While fuel industry representatives dispute these claims, studies by the Munich-based ifo Institute and the Federal Cartel Office support the criticism. ADAC also highlighted that the price hikes occurred despite a downward trend in crude oil prices last week, further questioning the justification for the increases.

As fuel costs continue to climb, consumer groups are urging companies to refrain from further price hikes, arguing that the rebate’s premature termination has already burdened drivers. A clearer picture of the price impact will emerge on Thursday when average prices for Wednesday are calculated. Tuesday’s daily averages already showed significant increases, with gasoline up by 6.2 cents and diesel by 7.5 cents compared to Monday.