Sector investigation: Cartel Office examines current fuel prices

The Federal Cartel Office called attention to the fact that crude oil and fuel prices are currently diverging sharply. It now closely examines the sector and prices. In addition, motorists were given specific tips on how to fill up the tank as cheaply as possible.

March was the most expensive fuel month ever. For weeks, drivers at the petrol pump hardly noticed that crude oil prices had long since fallen again. And fuel still costs a lot in Germany compared to other European countries.

The President of the Federal Cartel Office, Andreas Mundt, speaks of real upheavals in the fuel market. That’s why his authority is now taking a closer look at fuel prices. “We want to know why this is so: Why are crude oil prices, refinery prices and gas station prices so divergent at the moment. And we want to know what are the factors that play a role in this? What are the cost structures of these refineries?” says Mundt. “What can come out of it: above all, transparency. That we understand – not only we as an office, but also the drivers – why the prices are developing the way they are developing at the moment. What you can do then is that second step. But first, it’s about understanding the market properly.”

Recent price development not understandable

In recent years, the accusation has repeatedly been raised that the few mineral oil companies are colluding on prices. But no real signs of this have ever been found, says Mundt. However, this is a very transparent market, because everyone can see how prices are developing at any time. Therefore, agreements may not be necessary at all.

But what has happened since the start of the Ukraine war is also incomprehensible to the cartel guards. That is why they are now starting a so-called sector inquiry. With the results, the authority could either intervene itself. Or: “If that’s not the case, then I can only say that there are a lot of sector inquiries by the office that have been incorporated into legislation – where the laws were subsequently changed in such a way that we might actually be able to take action afterwards “, so Mundt. “It could also be a result of the sector inquiry that the tools to do something here simply don’t exist at the moment, but that they could perhaps be created.”

Prices fluctuate wildly every day

For drivers, however, this primarily means looking closely at the prices. Even before the war, large fluctuations were the order of the day. According to the new report by the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels, the price of gas in the same city could fluctuate by up to 24 cents depending on the gas station and the time – in a single day.

That is why the head of the cartel office, Mundt, recommends looking at one of the fuel price apps that drivers can use to compare the current prices live. In addition, if possible, you should never refuel in the morning, for example, when prices are at their highest. “It’s cheap between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. – that’s when you should always fill up,” explains Mundt. And he gives drivers further advice: “A cheap gas station is usually always cheap. You should really avoid filling up at the motorway gas station, as we see price surcharges of up to 25 percent. And again: always use the app. There are a few simple rules of thumb, and if you really stick to them, you can save a lot at the moment, especially with prices.”

Temporary tax cut coming in June

After all, there is good news for motorists: Because from the beginning of June, refueling should become cheaper – thanks to a tax cut by the federal government. This will then apply to petrol and diesel for three months until the end of August. But how the prices actually develop and whether the mineral oil companies will pass on the reduction in full – the Federal Cartel Office also wants to monitor this closely.