ZDK renews criticism of energy tax reduction

In the Bundestag, members of parliament debated the federal government's announced temporary reduction in energy taxes for diesel and gasoline in the first reading. The automotive industry reiterated its criticism and demanded a long-term plan.

The one from the Federal government The announced fuel discount is to be implemented quickly. It is scheduled to be in effect from May 1st to June 30th. Energy taxes on gasoline and diesel will then be reduced by 14,04 cents per liter. Including the corresponding share of the value-added tax, this results in a reduction of approximately 17 cents per liter, according to the draft legislation from the center-right/center-left coalition.

"Short-term, expensive, and without a clear strategy," was the comment of the Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry (ZDK). The measure is nothing more than a "political flash in the pan" and is not a "sustainable reform." The ZDK criticizes the measure as ineffective and calls for a permanent, reliable reorganization of energy taxation that offers businesses and consumers genuine relief and planning certainty.

ZDK misses long-term strategy

Voices from the tradeHere you will find many more sound bites from the skilled trades regarding the planned energy tax reduction.The association criticizes the lack of a long-term course correction for the existing energy tax system. The energy tax reduction does not cover what businesses and consumers need in light of persistently high costs. Instead of short-term relief, a reduction of the energy tax to the EU minimum level, combined with a genuine CO₂ reduction, would be more effective.₂-Pricing makes much more sense, says ZDK President Thomas Peckruhn.

"The temporary energy tax reduction is too short-term and does not provide lasting relief for businesses and consumers in their daily lives." Instead, reliable and permanent structures are needed that create planning certainty and noticeably reduce costs. The tax cut only solves part of the problem anyway. Key cost factors in the transport and energy sectors remain unresolved.

Climate-neutral fuels as an alternative

This includes the double CO2 requirement, which, from the ZDK's perspective, exists.₂-Charge for toll-liable, commercially used vehicles over 3,5 tons gross vehicle weight. "Companies are not only charged energy tax at refueling, but also additionally via CO₂ emissions."₂-Price on fuels and CO₂"The price increase on truck tolls is neither consistent nor future-proof," said Peckruhn.

A conversion of large parts of the energy tax to a CO₂₂Pricing would have the advantage that climate-neutral fuels such as biofuels could be brought to market more cheaply and would offer an alternative to fossil fuels. Instead of a temporary reduction in the energy tax, the ZDK (German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs) is calling for a permanent reduction to the European minimum level.

No structural solutions

Furthermore, the ZDK advocates for the consistent further development of CO₂-Pricing as a steering instrument. It is also incomprehensible why vehicles subject to tolls should have their CO2 emissions doubled.₂They would have to pay the price – once at the petrol station and another time at the toll station.

Peckruhn: "The progressive coalition should have gone further here. Instead, it's focusing on short-term relief rather than structural solutions. That might provide temporary relief, but it doesn't change the fundamental cost problems for businesses and consumers. We finally need a consistent and future-proof overall concept."

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