Germany starts one-rise-per-day fuel pricing rule; hauliers push for truck toll cuts

Germany starts one-rise-per-day fuel pricing rule; hauliers push for truck toll cuts

trans.info — 2026-03-30

Land transportation

Under the new system, petrol stations in Germany will only be allowed to raise petrol and diesel prices once per day, at 12:00, while reductions can still be made at any time. Violations can be punished with fines of up to €100,000. According to Handelsblatt, the law enters into force the day after publication in the Federal Law Gazette, with the Economy Ministry saying that means a 1 April 2026 start.

The measure was introduced after the Iran war sent fuel prices sharply higher in Germany and pushed inflation concerns back up the political agenda. Reuters reported that diesel prices had climbed from around €1.75 to more than €2 per litre, while Berlin’s response included not only the once-a-day pricing rule but also tougher antitrust provisions aimed at improving transparency in the fuel market.

A rule for pump pricing, not a fix for freight costs

For road transport operators, however, the new measure addresses only part of the problem. According to Reuters, the German haulage association BGL said diesel costs rose by 28% in March, and warned that freight rates may need to increase by 8–10% if transport firms are to remain economically viable.

German media reports published over the weekend suggest the cost pressure may already be severe. Handelsblatt, citing industry information carried, reported that diesel prices have risen by around 40 cents per litre since the start of the Iran war. BGL says that for a truck covering 10,000 km per month, this would mean additional fuel costs of roughly €1,200 per vehicle per month.

Lower truck tolls under discussion

Reuters reported last week that lower truck tolls were among the additional measures being considered by the German government. Other options reportedly under review include higher commuter tax relief, a VAT cut at filling stations, a possible windfall tax, and even a fuel price cap. However, Reuters made clear that these steps were still under discussion, unlike the once-a-day pricing rule, which has already been adopted.

BGL and other industry voices are pressing for more direct support: the measures being sought include a diesel price brake, reimbursement of the CO2 levy on diesel, or suspension of the CO2 component of the truck toll. The sector’s argument is that the current combination of rising pump prices and CO2-related cost burdens is hitting German operators twice and weakening their competitiveness.

BGL had already laid out a broader crisis plan earlier in March, calling for a diesel price brake, low-interest liquidity aid and a daily official diesel reference price to support surcharge mechanisms in freight contracts.

Pressure is also now coming from beyond the haulage sector. Germany’s food industry association BVE has called for a reduction in lorry tolls, arguing that the conflict in the Middle East is affecting the sector through higher energy costs, disrupted logistics and growing pressure on supply chains. The association says the tensions around key maritime and logistics corridors are already having direct consequences for German food and drink producers.