The CO₂ tax will rise in Germany in 2024. How will this affect fuel prices? And how can you save as a driver?
At least it feels like everything is getting more and more expensive. However, there are sometimes opposite developments: with the start of the corona pandemic, the price of fuel fell lower than it had for a long time. However, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine, prices for gasoline and diesel rose to new highs. At the end of 2023, Grund drivers once again had something to cheer about, because it became cheaper again at the gas station. But how will the price of fuel develop in 2024?
The CO2 tax is rising more than originally planned - this is how the increase affects the price of fuel
From January 2024, the CO₂ tax was increased – more significantly than originally planned. Instead of 30 euros, 40 euros should actually be charged per ton of CO₂ emitted for gasoline and diesel. But after the federal government's recent budget agreement, the amount was higher: from January 2024, 45 euros per ton will now be due. For drivers, according to ADAC, this means that the CO₂ price for a liter of gasoline increases by around 4.3 cents and that for a liter of diesel by around 4.7 cents.
No price jump at the gas station in 2024? Expert gives hope
At the turn of the year, a small price jump can initially be expected if the CO₂ price goes up: “It may be that the oil companies at least partially anticipate this price increase a few days before the New Year,” explained the ADAC fuel market expert
ADAC,
Christian Laberer told
dpa.
Nevertheless, he has hope that prices will remain stable throughout 2024 or perhaps even fall slightly. Among other things, because the refineries' previously very high margins have been declining since late summer - this also has a positive effect on prices at the pump. However, reliable forecasts are difficult: Overall, according to Laberer, what matters is the price of oil, which can rise sharply in the event of a global crisis.
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Rising fuel prices: Tips that drivers can use to save money
However, fuel is unlikely to become cheaper in the long term - because the next stage of the CO₂ tax will be triggered in 2025: And then the price per ton of CO₂ emitted will rise to 55 euros. However, there are some tips on how you can save money as a driver - both in terms of driving style and fueling strategy:
Editor's note: This text has already appeared in the past. Many readers were particularly interested in it. That's why we're offering it again.
Compare fuel prices:
Finding out about the current petrol and diesel prices is no longer a technical problem these days. Either you access the data on relevant websites – or you use price comparison apps.
Fill up at the best time:
Unfortunately, the tank is not always empty when fuel is cheap. Nevertheless, anyone who can wait at least a while before refueling will often be rewarded. According to evaluations, refueling in the evening is usually particularly cheap - and the day of the week also plays a role: on Wednesdays, fuel at the petrol station is also usually relatively cheap.
Reduce vehicle weight:
It is of course practical if you always have the right tools or a folding chair with you - after all, you never know when these utensils will happen to be needed. Nevertheless, additional weight has a negative impact on fuel consumption. So you should regularly remove unnecessary items from the vehicle.
Drive with foresight:
A gentle driving style pays off. You should avoid sudden braking maneuvers as well as hectic acceleration. It is advisable to closely monitor the traffic flow and react early - this will minimize energy loss and reduce fuel consumption.
Check tire pressure:
Check your tires regularly for the correct air pressure. Even 0.3 bar too little can increase the vehicle's consumption. Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to buy special energy-saving tires.