Fuel prices hit two-year high
German drivers are facing the country’s highest fuel prices since 2008, paying up to €1.529 per litre of “super” grade petrol, the ADAC motor club reported on Tuesday.
A spokesman for ADAC said he doubted that the high cost of gasoline was justified according to current oil market prices. The organisation plans to release the average price per litre on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV) said the high price of petrol reflected changes on the world market such as the weakening euro, a rise in crude oil prices, a “powerful demand” from China, and the recent closure of the trans-Alaska pipeline.
In the face of rising prices the Auto Club Europa (ACE) encouraged the German government to review regulation possibilities such as those recently implemented by Germany's southern neighbour Austria. Since the beginning of the year petrol stations there may raise their prices just once per day at noon, though prices may be reduced at any time.
The Austrian model would create a “cost-reducing effect,” ACE leader Wolfgang Rose said.
“We want the daily multi-price changing to end,” he said.
In the meantime, auto clubs such as ADAC recommend checking their websites to find the lowest regional prices.
While gas stations along major motorways are the priciest option, fuel pumps belonging to supermarkets or large shopping centres are often the most affordable, they say.
Careful driving can also save a bit of cash. Slowing down to ensure a car's motor is running between 1,500 and 2,500 revolutions per minute can save up to 20 percent of fuel burned.
Cutting back on weight also helps. For every 100 kilogrammes of extra weight in a car boot, drivers have to add an extra half litre per 100 kilometres on the road.
DAPD/ka
Comments
See Also
A spokesman for ADAC said he doubted that the high cost of gasoline was justified according to current oil market prices. The organisation plans to release the average price per litre on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV) said the high price of petrol reflected changes on the world market such as the weakening euro, a rise in crude oil prices, a “powerful demand” from China, and the recent closure of the trans-Alaska pipeline.
In the face of rising prices the Auto Club Europa (ACE) encouraged the German government to review regulation possibilities such as those recently implemented by Germany's southern neighbour Austria. Since the beginning of the year petrol stations there may raise their prices just once per day at noon, though prices may be reduced at any time.
The Austrian model would create a “cost-reducing effect,” ACE leader Wolfgang Rose said.
“We want the daily multi-price changing to end,” he said.
In the meantime, auto clubs such as ADAC recommend checking their websites to find the lowest regional prices.
While gas stations along major motorways are the priciest option, fuel pumps belonging to supermarkets or large shopping centres are often the most affordable, they say.
Careful driving can also save a bit of cash. Slowing down to ensure a car's motor is running between 1,500 and 2,500 revolutions per minute can save up to 20 percent of fuel burned.
Cutting back on weight also helps. For every 100 kilogrammes of extra weight in a car boot, drivers have to add an extra half litre per 100 kilometres on the road.
DAPD/ka
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.