Iran War Drives Steep Rise in German Fuel Prices Amid Government Measures

Fuel prices in Germany have surged significantly due to the ongoing Iran war, with the average price for Super gasoline currently at 2.18 euros per liter and Diesel at 2.32 euros as of April 2, 2026. These figures reflect a sharp increase from pre-war prices of 1.83 euros for Super and 1.75 euros for Diesel. The price hike is largely attributed to rising crude oil prices following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for nearly 30% of the world’s oil supply.

Germany has responded with a series of government measures to mitigate the impact on consumers and industries. Among these, the Federal Ministry of Economics has announced the release of parts of the country’s oil reserves as part of an international initiative to stabilize the market. Additionally, new regulations restrict gas stations to increasing prices only once per day at noon, while allowing for price reductions anytime. This rule aims to reduce volatile price fluctuations at fuel pumps.

Notably, Diesel prices have outpaced gasoline, currently higher due to Diesel’s greater import dependency and its critical industrial usage, contrasted with Germany's relative self-sufficiency in gasoline production. Heating oil prices have also climbed amid rising crude oil costs.

Germany is experiencing the strongest fuel price increase in the European Union since the Iran conflict began, with the average gasoline price standing at around 2.08 euros per liter—above the EU average. This is exacerbated by Germany’s higher national taxes and CO₂ levies on fossil fuels, which intensify price swings from the global oil market.

To prevent abusive pricing, the German government plans to enhance market oversight by requiring mineral oil companies to prove legitimacy in their pricing, under threat of fines up to 100,000 euros for violations. The Bundeskartellamt is closely monitoring the situation but acknowledges that geopolitical tensions mean there are no quick fixes.

The German government’s approach contrasts with some EU neighbors exploring direct price caps, focusing instead on daily price controls and stronger regulatory supervision to maintain market stability during these turbulent times.