Germany Gives Cartel Office Power to Investigate Petrol Price Hikes

Germany's competition watchdog will gain new powers to investigate energy firms over petrol price increases, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche announced. The Federal Cartel Office will now have authority to quickly investigate and stop unfair price markups in the wholesale sector, shifting the burden of proof to energy companies to justify their pricing. Petrol stations will also be limited to raising prices only once daily. The law implementing these measures is expected to pass by month's end or early April 2026. Global oil prices surged due to the Middle East war closing the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to Germany's higher-than-average petrol price increases. The government is also considering establishing a strategic gas reserve for emergencies.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/17/germany-targets-oil-firms-to-prevent-wartime-price-gouging/