Freight firms urge Chancellor Merz for relief as diesel prices surge

In an open letter addressed to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the BGL freight association highlighted the sharp rise in diesel prices—about 60 cents per litre since the recent Middle-East conflict—and its impact on the sector. For a truck covering 10,000 kilometres a month, the increase translates into an additional €1,800 in operating costs. BGL says these extra expenses are unsustainable for many medium-sized carriers and could weaken the broader German economy.

The association dismissed Finance Minister Katherina Reiche’s suggestion to temporarily lower the fuel VAT, noting that firms can already reclaim that tax and would see little immediate relief. BGL instead urges the government to remove the dual CO₂ levy applied through the emissions trading system and the truck-toll surcharge, and to introduce a lower “business diesel” rate modeled on policies in France, Spain and Italy.