Overview
- The Federal Cartel Office opened cases into early breaches of the new rule that lets stations raise prices only once at 12:00, using real-time data to spot violations.
- The agency says most cases involve near-cutoff timing slips caused by technical adjustments rather than evidence of price fixing.
- ADAC reports fresh highs despite the rule, with diesel averaging €2.443 per liter and Super E10 €2.192 in nationwide data.
- Drivers, freight operators, and driving schools report severe strain, and ADAC warns oil companies may be tacking on “risk surcharges.”
- With pressure building, options under discussion include a price cap, a renewed tax cut at the pump, sales from strategic reserves, one-off energy payments, or cheaper public transport, as a JPMorgan study warns Europe could face an oil shortfall from April 10.