First round
1 May to 30 June 2026
The measure was limited to two months and ended as planned.
Overview · Updated 28 September 2026
Germany's 2026 fuel rebate: both rounds at a glance
Tank Alert Editorial Team · ·
In 2026 Germany has two temporary cuts to energy tax on petrol and diesel: from 1 May to 30 June, and again from 1 October to 31 December. Each time, tax falls by 14.04 cents per litre. This page covers the first round; details of the second are in the current market update.
Tax reduction
14.04 ct/L net
Including VAT, the theoretical maximum relief was up to around 17 cents per litre.
Second round
1 October to 31 December 2026
The Bundestag and Bundesrat passed it on 25 September. The cut is the same size, and again stations are not obliged to pass it on.
What this retrospective means for the next refill
The fuel rebate showed why a tax measure does not automatically produce the best price at every station. Crude oil, procurement, competition, location and time of day still matter. Since April, E5, E10 and diesel may be raised only once per day at 12:00, while reductions remain possible any time. Compare locally, check shortly before noon, and save a target-price alert.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 fuel rebate
When does Germany's 2026 fuel rebate apply?
In two rounds: from 1 May to 30 June 2026 and from 1 October to 31 December 2026.
How large was the relief?
Energy tax was cut by 14.04 cents per litre net. With VAT, the theoretical maximum relief was up to around 17 cents per litre.
How much of the first rebate reached drivers?
According to the Market Transparency Unit, an average of 82.6% for diesel and 77.8% for Super E5. Passing it on is voluntary, and that applies to the second round too.
What matters more than the historical rebate now?
The current local price, the distance to the station and the time of day. Shortly before noon is the key comparison window and later reductions remain possible.