Hard-working citizens are turned away at the Dutch pump.
While drivers are happy, experts warn of chaos. They think the fuel discount is not a good idea. From Wednesday, a suggested retail price of 1,72 euros per liter will apply in Germany, at least 40 cents less than in the Netherlands. The fuel prices in Germany are falling so fast this week that the price difference with what you pay at a Dutch gas station is huge. The then used German price of 1,72 euros per liter is a suggested retail price. In practice, filling stations often sit a little lower.
emergency kit
“It could also be dramatic on June 1,” said an operator of 140 gas stations on fuel prices who fears supplies and a lack of fuel. On June 1, he expects a real "run" at the German gas stations, as the fuel discount will be introduced there. Owners of small gas stations in particular can face a difficult time. The price drop is part of the emergency package and is intended to provide temporary financial support to millions of people in the short term. This is about the 9 euro ticket (a ticket of 9 euros for the local public transport ÖPNV), the children's bonus, the petrol discount and the energy package.
Operators warn of long queues. Drivers therefore have to be very patient. In some cases, petrol and diesel can become scarce.
The German federal government is going to introduce the fuel discount. According to calculations, this makes petrol 36 cents per liter cheaper and diesel 17 cents per liter cheaper. That is why a "rush" to the gas stations is to be expected on 1 June. This can be especially problematic for small business owners, as they purchase the oil through spot markets rather than annual contracts.
The spot market closed two months ago, so gas station owners have to buy petroleum from dealers or petroleum companies. “But without purchasing power, they are dependent on what they can get on the market. The purchase prices are high, the banks demand more collateral for pre-financing. That could put a lot of pressure on small gas station operators," said the president of the Federal Association of Free Gas Stations.
Van Haga wants to know from the minister why Minister Sigrid Kaag (D66) "is turning hard-working citizens a leg at the Dutch pump, while Germany has reduced excise duties to the lowest level permitted in the EU". The petrol station owners in the Kleve region are preparing for June 1. They expect a stampede, not only from German motorists, but especially from the Netherlands.
