Overview
- US and Israeli strikes inside Iran and Iranian limits on Strait of Hormuz shipping have squeezed energy flows, with Brent rising from about $72 to over $84 a barrel.
- German pump prices have jumped, with national averages near €1.85–€1.91 per liter and local readings above €2, while heating‑oil offers spiked faster than crude.
- Market analysts report refiners widening product margins, which has accelerated increases for diesel and heating oil despite normal stock levels and no immediate supply shortfalls.
- Wholesale gas prices roughly doubled in recent days and politicians, including Manuela Schwesig, are urging rapid refilling of German gas storage after a cold winter left levels low.
- The federal government reactivated its energy‑price taskforce and coalition leaders set up a parliamentary working group to examine options, while ministers say a fuel‑price brake is not planned and markets face higher tanker insurance costs and a weaker DAX.