Overview
- Merz, who spoke Thursday after a crisis meeting with his finance and economics ministers, warned against expecting quick fuel‑price relief and rejected a national price cap citing shortages seen abroad.
- He indicated openness to targeted steps such as a higher commuter allowance and a possible cut to the electricity tax, while noting tax changes would require state approval and likely take time to reach wallets.
- Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is pushing a price cap and a Europe‑wide windfall tax on oil firms, with reports saying he has sounded out four EU counterparts, as Economics Minister Katherina Reiche backs a bigger commuter allowance and targeted direct payments.
- The chancellor put the focus on the Federal Cartel Office to test for price abuse and said reclaiming unjustified profits should follow proven misconduct, as the regulator pressed oil companies to pass falling crude costs to drivers faster.
- Linking policy to the Iran conflict, Merz said Germany has resumed direct talks with Tehran and could help keep the Strait of Hormuz open only under a UN, EU, or NATO mandate, drawing on mine‑countermeasure assets if needed.