German Regulator Flags Rising Fuel Price Volatility and Market Risks

The Bundeskartellamt highlights challenges for consumers and competition in the fuel market, citing frequent price changes and potential market manipulation.

• The Bundeskartellamt reports that average daily fuel price changes at German gas stations have risen from 4-5 in 2014 to 18 in 2024, complicating consumer price comparisons.
• Frequent price fluctuations lead to fewer consumers successfully purchasing fuel at lower price points, with only 43% achieving this in 2023 compared to 59.4% in 2015.
• The regulator warns of potential collusion risks and price manipulation in the fuel market, citing structural issues in the supply chain from refineries to wholesale.
• The investigation into the fuel market stems from major price increases following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and aims to assess competition conditions.
• While the Bundeskartellamt considers regulatory interventions, it has yet to recommend specific measures, emphasizing the need for further analysis of international approaches to price regulation.

6 Articles

Die Zeit Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung WELT Die Rheinpfalz DER SPIEGEL Der Tagesspiegel