Inquiry into the first rebate
Parliamentary question 21/7932 (printed paper dated 9 September) asks for figures on the first rebate's cost, price development and pass-through. No government reply had been published by 28 September.
Fact check · 15 September 2026 · updated 28 September
Germany fuel prices, September 2026: fuel-rebate fact check
Tank Alert Editorial Team · ·
Update 28 September: on 25 September the Bundestag and Bundesrat passed a second fuel rebate. From 1 October to 31 December 2026, energy tax on petrol and diesel falls by 14.04 cents per litre. This fact check from 15 September covered a parliamentary question about the first rebate, which was not an announcement of new relief.
Compare live prices near youRelief ended on 30 June
Energy tax was reduced by 14.04 cents per litre from 1 May to 30 June. Including VAT, this amounted to a maximum of around 17 cents per litre.
August remained expensive
ADAC reported August averages of EUR2.145 per litre for Super E10 and EUR2.223 for diesel. These are monthly averages, not local live prices.
Update
Update 28 September: second fuel rebate passed
On 25 September 2026 the Bundestag voted 434 to 128 for a renewed energy-tax cut, and the Bundesrat approved it the same day. From 1 October to 31 December, tax on petrol and diesel falls by 14.04 cents per litre, or up to around 17 cents gross. Stations are not obliged to pass it on. Full details are in the market update on the rebate from 1 October.
12:00
What has not changed for fuel prices
Since 1 April 2026, petrol stations may raise E5, E10 and diesel only once per day at 12:00. Price reductions remain allowed at any time. The rule makes price quotes easier to compare, but it is neither a price cap nor a rebate. The live price within reach is therefore more useful than a national daily or monthly figure.
Live
Act on current prices instead of waiting for flat-rate relief
For a planned refill, it is worth checking shortly before noon. Just after noon, check again when the local spread is large because prices can fall later. Tank Alert shows currently reported nearby prices and can notify you at your target price.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a new German fuel rebate?
Yes, from October. On 25 September 2026 the Bundestag and Bundesrat passed a second rebate: from 1 October to 31 December, energy tax on petrol and diesel falls by 14.04 cents per litre. The 14 September Bundestag item only concerned a parliamentary question about the first rebate.
How much was the May-June relief worth?
Energy tax was reduced by 14.04 cents per litre for two months. The lower VAT component brought the maximum relief to around 17 cents per litre. The actual pass-through is part of the new parliamentary question.
Does the noon rule still apply?
Yes. E5, E10 and diesel may be raised only once per day at 12:00. Price reductions remain allowed at any time.
Has the parliamentary question been answered?
No government reply had been published by 28 September. Two weeks is usual, but extensions are common.