First balance sheet of the ADACFuel discount evaporates! This is how much money drivers are missing at the pump

May 2, 2026 around 16:14 Clock

According to market observations, on the first day of the fuel discount, the tax cut to ease the burden on drivers did not fully reach the pumps. According to calculations by the ADAC motorists' club, the price drop for diesel and gasoline on May 1st was around 3 cents less than the tax cut of 16.7 cents that took effect on the same day.

On Friday, according to ADAC, the average daily price for Super E10 was 1,989 euros, while the average price per liter for diesel was 2,079 euros. This was 13.7 and 13.6 cents less than the previous day. The Federal Cartel Office announced that prices fell by a nationwide average of almost 13 cents from April 30th to May 1st. There are big price differences between different gas stations and between different regions.

The Bonn competition authority explained that the price level in large parts of southern Germany is currently around 5 to 7 cents lower than in central and northern Germany. The reason is differences in refinery and wholesale prices between regions. As of 10:30 a.m., the average prices this Saturday were 2.06 euros per liter for diesel, 2.03 euros for Super E5 and 1.97 euros for Super E10.

The ADAC pointed out that the oil price had fallen significantly again since its short-term highs at the end of April. This gives additional scope for price reductions. The tax cut must now be fully passed on to consumers during Saturday, said a spokeswoman. At the start of the fuel discount, the Fuels and Energy industry association announced that the full tax reduction should reach customers.

The industry had previously pointed out that there was still fuel in the tanks of many gas stations that was billed according to the old tax rates. The decisive factor for the tax reduction is not the sale at the gas station, but the moment in which the fuel leaves the tank farm or refinery.

Sources used: als/dpa