Overview
- Industry groups warned Monday that price relief could lag and low pre‑cut inventories plus the long May Day weekend could cause short, local shortages, and the bft urged shifting the start to May 4.
- The plan would cut energy duty by 14.04 cents per liter from May 1 to June 30, roughly 17 cents with VAT, after a Bundestag debate sent the bill to committee, and the coalition pegs the 2026 budget hit at about €1.6 billion.
- Because the tax is due when fuel is delivered to stations, any fuel already in tanks before May 1 carries the higher rate and cheaper stock reaches pumps only after that inventory sells.
- ADAC data show pump‑price declines have slowed, yet the club says shortages are unlikely based on 2022, when fears of supply gaps did not materialize despite a larger discount.
- Public transport operators say buses get only about 11 cents gross relief for diesel under EU minimum‑tax rules and they are pressing for extra help.