1 October to 31 December
The Bundestag approved it on 25 September by 434 votes to 128, and the Bundesrat approved it the same day. The cut applies to petrol and diesel.
Market update · 28 September 2026
Germany's fuel rebate from 1 October 2026: what drivers need to know
Tank Alert Editorial Team · ·
On 25 September 2026, 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, or up to around 17 cents including VAT. Stations are not obliged to pass the cut on, so comparing local prices matters more than usual.
Compare live prices near youUp to around 17 cents per litre
Energy tax falls by 14.04 cents per litre. Because less VAT is due as well, the gross relief is up to around 17 cents if stations pass it on in full.
Pass-through is voluntary
During the first rebate in May and June, the Market Transparency Unit found that on average 82.6% reached drivers for diesel and 77.8% for Super E5.
Pass-through
Why the cut does not show up everywhere at once
Energy tax is due when fuel leaves the tax warehouse. Fuel delivered to stations before 1 October was taxed at the old rate, so prices may fall gradually in the first days and at different speeds from station to station. According to the Bundesrat, oil companies decide whether and how far the saving is passed on; the Market Transparency Unit monitors prices.
What one refill can save
- 40 litres: up to €6.80
- 50 litres: up to €8.50
- 60 litres: up to €10.20
Calculated with the full gross relief of around 17 cents per litre. If less is passed on, the saving is correspondingly smaller.
ADAC
Prices at the end of September
On 23 September, ADAC reported national averages of EUR 2.267 per litre for Super E10 and EUR 2.428 for diesel. Diesel is now about 16 cents dearer than E10; at the start of September the gap was about 5 cents. The rebate lowers both by the same amount, so the gap remains.
12:00
Noon rule: still in force, but under criticism
Stations may still raise E5, E10 and diesel only once per day at 12:00, while reductions are allowed at any time. ADAC now calls for the rule to be abolished, and Schleswig-Holstein has tabled a motion to that effect in the Bundesrat. The law provides for a review after one year, i.e. from around April 2027. Until the law changes, checking shortly before noon remains useful.
2027
Outlook for 2027: price cap and CO2 price
The coalition plans talks with the oil industry aiming to introduce a fuel price cap modelled on Luxembourg or Belgium by 1 January 2027 at the latest. That is a goal, not yet a law. On the CO2 price, a government bill keeps the 2027 corridor at EUR 55 to 65 per tonne because the EU emissions trading system for fuels only starts in 2028. The Bundestag held its first reading on 24 September.
Frequently asked questions about the October rebate
When does the new fuel rebate apply?
From 1 October to 31 December 2026. The Bundestag and Bundesrat passed it on 25 September 2026.
How much does the rebate save?
Energy tax falls by 14.04 cents per litre, or up to around 17 cents including VAT. For 50 litres that is up to about EUR 8.50, if the station passes the cut on in full.
Do stations have to pass the rebate on?
No, there is no legal obligation. During the first rebate in May and June 2026, the Market Transparency Unit found 82.6% of the cut reached drivers for diesel and 77.8% for Super E5.
Why has the price not fallen by 17 cents on 1 October?
Fuel that left the tax warehouse before 1 October was taxed at the old rate, and companies set their own prices. A live comparison shows which station has already cut.
Does the noon rule apply during the rebate?
Yes. Increases are still allowed only once per day at 12:00, reductions at any time. Abolishing the rule is being debated but has not been decided.
Will there be a fuel price cap in 2027?
The coalition has set the goal of introducing a fuel price cap by 1 January 2027 at the latest. There is no law yet.