Economics Minister announces inspections of filling stations

After reports of numerous violations of the 12 o'clock rule at petrol stations in Saxony, Economics Minister Dirk Panter has announced controls. "We are currently talking to the local authorities so that penalties can be imposed if this rule is being abused," said the SPD politician in Dresden. The market surveillance authority in Saxony is responsible for checking this.

At the same time, Panter emphasized. "This 12 o'clock rule will not save us." Energy prices would have to be adjusted in various areas. "But if the 12 o'clock rule is there, if it is supposed to provide transparency and security for citizens, then we have to make sure that it happens."

Fuel prices may only be increased once a day

The 12 o'clock rule has been in force since 1 April and stipulates that petrol stations may only increase prices once a day - at 12 noon. Reductions, on the other hand, are always possible. The rule was introduced after the Iran war led to a sharp rise in fuel prices. The regulation is intended to give customers more guidance. Violations could result in fines of up to 100,000 euros for petrol station operators.

Almost every fifth petrol station violates the 12 o'clock rule

In Saxony, almost every fifth petrol station has violated the 12 o'clock rule since April, according to data from the consumer service "Mehr-Tanken". According to the data, 110 out of 589 petrol stations raised prices at unauthorized times a total of 461 times up to the cut-off date of May 11. Until now, the responsibility for the controls in Saxony was unclear, as reported by the "Leipziger Volkszeitung" and "Sächsische Zeitung".