The state government wants to monitor violations of the 12 o'clock rule at petrol stations and punish them more quickly. "The 12 o'clock rule is intended to create transparency and reliability, and we must therefore also ensure that it is adhered to," said Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD). Violations of the ban on multiple daily price increases can result in fines ranging from five euros to 100,000 euros.
The 12 o'clock rule has been in force since April 1 and stipulates that petrol stations may only raise prices once a day - at 12.00 noon. Reductions, on the other hand, are always possible. The requirement was introduced after the Iran war led to a sharp rise in fuel prices.
