Overview
- The Bundestag and Bundesrat approved a temporary cut that takes effect on 1 October and runs through 31 December, lowering the Energiesteuer by 14.04 cents per litre and yielding about 16.7 cents off the retail price when VAT is included.
- The government estimates the measure will cost roughly €2.5 billion, with the federal government and the Länder each covering about half and the Länder compensated by a VAT settlement.
- Industry group en2x has publicly pledged full, immediate pass‑through at midnight, but regulators and economists warn past evidence shows only about 80 percent of the relief reached consumers and that diesel passed through less than petrol.
- Station‑level timing will vary because fuel already taxed at the old rate may remain in underground tanks and deliveries and local pricing choices will determine when and whether the tax cut appears on price boards.
- Authorities including the Bundeskartellamt and consumer groups will monitor prices and market conduct, and policymakers are discussing a separate sprit price cap to be introduced by 1 January 2027 if further action is needed.