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The most important consumer newsFuel discounts, relief bonuses, railway construction sites – this is all new in May
From May, the tax on fuels will be reduced by 16.7 percent (archive image)
picture alliance / Rene Traut Photography | René Traut
Down with fuel prices!
For weeks, the trip to the gas pump has been giving many Germans a stomach ache. The federal government now wants to alleviate this with a temporary measure. In addition, millions of people receive more money every month, the railways are due for spring cleaning and babies are examined more thoroughly. The most important news in May at a glance here.
Holidays
As always, there are a few public holidays in May, some of which provide a long weekend or even allow four days off if the holiday is on the bridge day:
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May 1 (Friday): Labor Day
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May 14th (Thursday): Ascension Day
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May 25th (Monday): Whit Monday
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Fuel discount and relief bonus
The fuel discount starts on May 1st, with the aim of relieving the burden on consumers at the petrol pumps. Because of the Iran war, the prices for gasoline and diesel have recently risen significantly. As part of the Energy Tax Reduction Act, the Mineral oil tax on fuels now reduced by 16.7 cents per liter – for two months until the end of June.
Is the fuel significantly cheaper early in the morning on May 1st? An ADAC expert breaks down what drivers can expect for you here.
In addition to the fuel discount, there should be further relief: Companies should offer their employees one this year and until June 30, 2027 Tax-free relief bonus of up to 1,000 euros can pay. However, it is still questionable how many employees will benefit from this: it is a voluntary payment by companies; Due to the weak economy, many companies may not be able to afford such a premium.
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More money for public sector employees
For around 2.5 million Federal and local government employees There will be a salary increase in May: salaries will be increased by 2.8 percent in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD). The last time there was an increase of three percent was in April 2025. For trainees, dual students and interns there is a flat rate of 75 euros more per month.
Bonus for electric cars
Anyone who wants to buy a new electric car can apply for funding in the future. Depending on the car model, household size and income, it can Premium 1,500 to 6,000 euros be. According to the Federal Environment Ministry, the platform required to submit applications should go online in May.
Electric vehicles in class M1 that were newly registered from January 1, 2026 are eligible for funding. The funding can therefore also be applied for retroactively. There is currently no funding planned for used electric cars. To be able to submit an application, your taxable household income per year must be a maximum of 80,000 euros. This income limit increases by 5,000 euros per child for up to two children.
You can find further information about the e-car bonus here.
New free examinations for newborns
From May 15th, the statutory health insurance companies will take over as part of the Newborn screenings more investigations. From this point onwards, early detection of babies also includes testing for vitamin B12 deficiency and the rare metabolic diseases homocystinuria, propionic acidemia and methylmalonic aciduria.
If left untreated, these diseases endanger the child's physical and mental development, according to the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). “Since the affected newborns are usually initially symptom-free, screening is the only way to start therapy early,” explains Prof. Josef Hecken, impartial chairman of the G-BA. During extended newborn screening, a few drops of blood are taken from the heel of newborns on the second or third day of life, usually during the second check-up (U2).
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Deutsche Bahn: Spring cleaning and construction sites
Deutsche Bahn will run another one until the end of May Spring cleaning at a total of 1,400 train stations through, many of them in rural areas. DB staff clean “platforms and stairs, tunnels and elevator shafts, glass surfaces, control surfaces on machines and elevators, furniture and display cases,” explains the railway on its website. Graffiti and chewing gum should also be removed. In many places, cities, communities and volunteers support the campaign.
In the north, travelers have to face restrictions between Hamburg and Hanover set. The route will be renovated and therefore partially closed until July 13th, and completely closed from June 14th. Long-distance trains are being rerouted and therefore take up to 45 minutes longer; regional traffic is to be accommodated by additional S-Bahn trains and replacement buses.
Between Leipzig and Dresden Train traffic around Riesa is restricted from May 18th to July 25th due to bridge work. Long-distance traffic will be partially rerouted. Some regional transport will remain in place, some will be taken over by buses.
Sources used: ADAC, dpa, Federal Joint Committee, Deutsche Bahn
