The Bundestag and Bundesrat decide on a new fuel discount

The new fuel discount has been launched. With votes from the Union parliamentary group and the SPD parliamentary group, the Bundestag decided on the corresponding tax cut for drivers on Friday. The aim of the black-red government is to implement fuel price relief by October 1st. In the afternoon, the Federal Council also approved.

In the new fuel discount, energy taxes on diesel and gasoline are expected to fall by 14.04 cents per liter. The EU does not allow a greater tax cut for diesel - and in order to treat all drivers equally, this value is also used for petrol. Because there is no VAT on the eliminated energy tax, there is a total tax reduction of 16.7 cents - rounded, this corresponds to the frequently mentioned 17 cents. The reduction should apply until the end of December.

The federal government expects that 2.485 billion euros less taxes will flow into the state treasury. This time, the federal states should bear half of the losses. The federal government covered the costs for the first fuel discount in May and June. Many experts criticized the discount at the time - and are doing so now. The fuel discount is relatively expensive and not targeted. He also supports people who don't need the help. In addition, there is no guarantee that the fuel discount will reach the consumer in full.

»The best instrument quickly available«

The vote in the Bundestag was preceded by a sharp discussion. The Union and SPD defended their law as quick and immediate help. CDU financial politician Stefan Korbach said high prices were hitting private households and putting a strain on businesses. The fuel discount is “the best quickly available instrument” that works without applications. Nevertheless, the discount should be “a limited exception,” a “band-aid,” says Korbach. The state cannot permanently absorb price fluctuations on the market. Korbach points out that a fuel price brake should help more intensively next year.

Green Party leader Katharina Dröge sharply criticized the discount, saying it was a “nonsense solution”. The money for the discount is missing elsewhere: it costs 2.5 billion euros, which is exactly how much money was cut from the budget for family benefits. Families have to suffer because the discount is now being financed, said Dröge: “Do any of you still notice what the reality of life is like?” she asked the Union and the SPD.