The state pays for it That's why gas is so expensive

The fight against high fuel prices in Germany and the EU has intensified as rising oil costs continue to strain consumers and governments alike. Chancellor Merz announced relief measures for drivers in Germany, while French President Macron convened representatives from all political parties and presidential candidates at the Elysée Palace. The volatility of oil prices since the start of the year has kept the global economy on edge, leading to soaring fuel prices, increased transportation costs, and higher inflation. Oil prices have fluctuated dramatically, starting with a historic low for Brent crude at $59 per barrel on January 2nd, reaching a peak of $119 per barrel on March 9th following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran during Operation “Epic Fury.” As of mid-September, the price stands at around $106 per barrel. These fluctuations directly impact fuel prices across the EU, though the extent varies significantly among member states due to differing taxes and levies on gasoline and diesel. In the EU, fuel prices are climbing in all member countries, albeit at different rates. For example, Denmark and the Netherlands lead with top prices of €2.56 and €2.43 per liter respectively, while Spain, Poland, Bulgaria, and Cyprus offer more affordable options ranging from €1.62 to €1.87. In Germany, the average price for gasoline reached €2.36 on September 14th, placing it in the upper third of EU nations. Neighboring countries such as France, Poland, and Belgium offer slightly lower prices, making cross-border refueling potentially beneficial for drivers near borders. Germany’s increase in fuel prices has been particularly steep compared to 2025. Gasoline prices rose by 37 percent, while diesel prices surged by 54 percent. In contrast, Poland saw a smaller rise, increasing from 1.36 cents to 1.82 cents, a 33 percent increase. Despite these increases, Germany remains less expensive than some neighboring countries. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), annual tax burdens per vehicle in Germany amount to approximately €1,600, which includes motor vehicle taxes, registration fees, VAT on car purchases, fuel, driver’s license costs, and insurance taxes. Belgium, Finland, and Austria impose the highest annual tax burdens, exceeding €2,300 per vehicle, with Belgium topping the list at nearly €2,900. This highlights the varying financial pressures faced by motorists across the EU. Fuel taxation plays a major role in determining final prices, with the EU setting minimum consumption taxes of 35.9 cents per liter of gasoline and 33 cents per liter of diesel. However, many countries exceed these figures. The Netherlands imposes the highest gasoline tax at 84.5 cents per liter, followed by Denmark at 71.7 cents and Italy at 71.3 cents. Germany charges 65.5 cents, placing it in the upper third of EU nations. Additionally, carbon dioxide pricing within the EU adds to the cost of fuel. In Germany, the CO₂ price ranges between €55 and €65 per ton, adding roughly 17 cents per liter of gasoline and 19 cents per liter of diesel. Although oil companies bear these costs, they pass them on to end consumers. On March 16th, Euronews calculated combined tax burdens, showing that fuel taxes range from 58 cents per liter in Bulgaria to over €1.24 in the Netherlands.