Merz government not considering autobahn speed limit to save fuel

The German government is not considering imposing a speed limit on its unrestricted motorways to save fuel but could take fiscal measures to ease the burden on motorists, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said on Saturday.

Car-free Sundays were also off the agenda, Reiche told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

She said that a temporary increase in the commuting allowance to taxpayers could be considered as a measure targeted at those dependent on their cars.

Reiche said that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government was currently considering cutting the electricity tax for private households to reduce overall energy costs to households, which were too high in Germany.

Turning to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Reiche said that Germany and Europe had adequate supplies of oil and natural gas, and that Europe imported relatively little from the Middle East. There was sufficient petrol, diesel and jet fuel, she said.

Reiche said that driving more slowly or banning Sunday driving would have minimal effect on consumption and she noted that fuel prices were set globally.

Veronika Grimm of the expert council that advises the German government on economics has backed a speed limit as a signal "so that people take the situation seriously."

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Consumer Protection Minister Stefanie Hubig have backed a flexible price cap to prevent extreme effects at the fuel pump.