SPD accuses Economics Minister Reiche of inaction on fuel prices

In view of the new all-time high in fuel prices, SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf sharply criticized Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). "It's finally enough. Millions of people in our country are still struggling with completely excessive fuel prices and the responsible minister, Katherina Reiche, is watching as oil companies make record profits at the expense of the citizens," Klüssendorf told the news portal "T-Online". “We need quick action against rip-off fuel prices.”

Specifically, Klüssendorf called for three immediate measures that the SPD has been fighting for for months and “which would immediately reduce prices.” Firstly, a fuel price cap like in Belgium or Luxembourg: It doesn't cost the taxpayer "a cent" and immediately ensures lower prices, says Klüssendorf.

Second: an excess profits tax on crisis profits. The aim is to skim off the “excessively high profits of the oil companies” and give them back to the citizens. Thirdly, Klüssendorf called for a “functioning market economy”: One should no longer watch the market fail, but must “create more price transparency and finally limit the opaque market power of a few oil companies”.