The latest figures from the European Commission on fuel prices in the 27 Member States, dated 16 March, show that Germany continues to experience high fuel price rises. Compared with the week before the war began, there has been an increase of 27 cents per litre for petrol and 42 cents per litre for diesel in this country. Over the same period, the EU average rose by 20 cents per litre for petrol and 36 cents per litre for diesel. A comparison with the figures from 9 March reveals that many other EU countries are catching up and their price rises are approaching German levels. It is therefore striking that the rise in oil prices has been passed on to consumers in this country particularly quickly. Combined with the high overall price rise, this may indicate a lower level of competition in the fuel market. In markets with little competitive pressure or oligopolistic structures, price increases can generally be implemented more easily and quickly, whereas in more competitive markets they often reach consumers more slowly or to a lesser extent.

- Tomaso Duso, Chair of the Monopolies Commission