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Gas station in Brauweiler, North Rhine-Westphalia
Photo: Christoph Hardt / Panama Pictures / IMAGO
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) has drawn a positive balance after the first few weeks of the tank discount.
At the same time, he dampened expectations that there could be follow-up rules for tank discounts and 9-euro tickets in September.
"We cannot compensate for the long-term increase in prices for imported oil, the development of the dollar and the shortages in refineries with state money," Lindner told the dpa news agency.
Recently there was a debate about the question of whether the mineral oil trade would pass on the temporary reduction in energy tax on fuels to the end customer.
»The price level at the pump has fallen significantly in recent weeks.
The development is better than abroad.
The relief is noticeable for commuters and drivers," said the FDP leader.
Relief elsewhere?
The temporary tax cut also contributes to the state not becoming a winner from inflation.
“We charge energy and VAT on fuel.
In view of the increased world market price, the state's revenues would increase this year.
That's why we lowered the energy tax for three months in order to give car payers back some of what they would otherwise pay more to the state," said Lindner.
He rejected demands that there should be follow-up rules for tank discounts and 9-euro tickets in September.
The important effect of the price signal was also canceled with the 9-euro ticket.
»Steps towards free public transport are critical, because shortages cannot then be controlled via prices.« Without prices, there would be a risk that capacities would be used unnecessarily and excessively.
The Greens, on the other hand, had spoken out in favor of finding a successor regulation for the 9-euro ticket.
As a state relief measure in the coming year, the FDP politician is counting on higher benefits for recipients of basic security and an adjustment of wage and income tax to inflation.
beb/dpa
