September will be the most expensive month to refuel: record prices for petrol and diesel

September will be by far the most expensive month to refuel so far. This much is already certain before the end of the month, as shown by data from the ADAC, which was evaluated by the dpa news agency. Even if gasoline and diesel were given away on the last day of the month, the average price would remain above the previous records from August and April, respectively, according to the automobile club.

Given the current price development, the ADAC expects an average price in the range of 2.27 euros per liter for E10 premium gasoline and an average price in the range of 2.38 to 2.39 euros for a liter of diesel in September. According to the automobile club, the previous record values ​​are 2.145 euros for E10 and 2.263 euros for diesel - more than 10 cents lower in each case.

The price for Super E10 rose to 2.22 euros per liter on September 3rd, replacing the previous daily record from 2022. Prices for a liter of diesel peaked at 2.47 euros on September 17th.

Today at 8 a.m., one day before the start of the second "tank discount", a liter of E10 cost an average of 2.23 euros, according to data from ARD. Drivers paid an average of 2.38 euros for a liter of diesel. This is the result of the SWR data analysis of all fuel prices at around 15,000 German gas stations.

The prices are driven primarily by the Iran war, which means massive restrictions on oil exports from the Gulf region, particularly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A lack of refinery capacity also plays a role.

Fuel prices are now likely to fall in October. The new “tank discount” applies from Thursday at midnight. Through cuts in taxes, the price of a liter of diesel or gasoline will fall by almost 17 cents.

The Fuels and Energy trade association (en2x) said: "The new reduction in energy and VAT will be passed on from midnight on October 1st without restrictions or surcharges - as was the case in May and June," said Managing Director Christian Küchen. At the same time, he emphasized that "in addition to tax rates, other cost factors change frequently and are just as relevant for pricing at gas stations."

During the first "tank discount" in May and June, the Ifo Institute, the Monopolies Commission and the Federal Cartel Office, among others, came to the conclusion that the discount was largely, but not 100 percent, passed on. en2x has always contradicted this representation.

The “fuel discount” starts at midnight, but it only applies to fuels that leave refineries and tank farms from then on. It may take some time until all gas stations are supplied with discounted fuel. In May, the price had already fallen significantly on the first night at most gas stations.