German motorists are bracing for increased fuel costs in 2026, as prices at the pump have already begun to climb sharply. Rising from an average of 1.709 euros per liter on January 1st, Super E10 now averages 1.726 euros nationwide, and diesel is also seeing a price increase. The hikes are being driven by a combination of factors,including a higher CO₂ tax and broader global economic pressures,and are expected to significantly impact both personal budgets and transportation-dependent businesses across Germany.
German drivers are facing higher fuel costs at the start of 2026, with prices for Super E10 gasoline rising sharply in recent weeks. While prices fluctuated between the years, averaging below 1.60 euros per liter and even dipping to 1.53 euros in some areas, prices were consistently above 1.70 euros, and in some cases exceeded 1.80 euros, as of Friday. The increase signals a more expensive year for motorists despite regional and time-of-day variations.
Fuel Prices Rise Again in Germany
“Prices have risen by 1.9 cents within a week,” stated ADAC spokesperson Andreas Hölzel, according to a report by the Schwäbische Zeitung. However, he clarified that this figure represents an average across Germany, and regional prices can differ significantly. On Friday, Super E10 averaged 1.726 euros nationwide, up from 1.709 euros on January 1, 2026 – an increase of 1.7 cents.
Diesel prices also saw an increase, reaching 1.677 euros on Friday compared to 1.658 euros the previous week. A significant portion of the price jump occurred around the turn of the year, driven by a higher CO2 tax that added approximately three cents per liter to both diesel and gasoline. Starting in 2026, the CO2 price will be determined through the auctioning of emission certificates, initially within a range of 55 to 65 euros per ton, transitioning to a free market system in 2028. “This will inevitably lead to higher fuel prices,” the ADAC spokesperson emphasized.
Taxes and Levies Account for Up to 64 Percent of Fuel Costs
Beyond the CO2 tax, energy taxes contribute substantially to the overall fuel price. According to ADAC, the current energy tax rate for gasoline is 65.45 cents per liter, while diesel is taxed at 47.04 cents. Additionally, a value-added tax of 19 percent is applied to all energy carriers, calculated on the value of the goods including the energy tax. “Overall, this results in a tax and levy share of around 64 percent for gasoline and around 56 percent for diesel per tank fill-up, based on the average prices for 2025,” ADAC calculated.
The remaining portion of the fuel price covers the actual costs of the product, from crude oil extraction to transportation to Germany and refining at the pump. “And, of course, oil companies aim to maximize their profits,” Hölzel added. The rising cost of fuel is a key concern for consumers and businesses alike, impacting transportation costs and overall economic activity.
Similar Fuel Prices Expected in 2026
The ADAC spokesperson refrained from providing a forecast for the “fuel year 2026,” citing significant global political and economic uncertainties. However, he added, “If the crude oil price remains at its current level, a sideways movement – meaning similar fuel prices to the previous year – is the most likely scenario.”
Fuel costs were generally lower in the past year compared to 2024. On average, gasoline cost six cents less per liter and diesel four cents less than in 2024. Despite this, prices fluctuated more dramatically than usual. The Federal Cartel Office determined that fuel prices at gas stations change an average of 22 times per day, varying by around 13 cents per liter throughout the day. Surcharges at highway gas stations reached a new record high in 2025, making price comparison more important than ever.
Five Tips for Saving Money on Fuel
1. Fill Up in the Evening: “Drivers who want to save money should fill up in the evening,” advises Steffen Bock, founder and managing director of “Clever Tanken.” According to the comparison portal’s observations, fuel prices are generally lowest between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. “Filling up in the evening hours is, on average, about 13 cents per liter cheaper than in the morning,” ADAC also reports. There are also times during the day, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when prices fall. “In addition, there are often abrupt increases and decreases – sometimes in very short periods of time,” Bock emphasizes. According to ADAC, the highest fuel prices occur in the morning between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.
2. Continuously Compare Prices: Drivers should always compare prices at gas stations along their route, for example using an app, navigation device, or the internet. This allows them to find out which gas station in their area currently offers the cheapest prices. Fuel is often noticeably cheaper at independent gas stations or supermarket pumps than at well-known oil companies.
3. Avoid Highway Gas Stations: According to expert Bock, it is also important to avoid highway gas stations as much as possible. Due to their convenient location and lack of competition in the immediate vicinity, these are often much more expensive than gas stations in larger cities – on average, more than 40 cents per liter.
4. Choose the Right Fuel: The choice of fuel also affects your wallet. Switching from Super (E5) to E10 can save around six cents per liter. However, only about a third of drivers in Germany currently use E10, although it is cheaper and most cars (more than 90 percent) can handle it without problems. Many are hesitant due to uncertainty or slightly higher consumption. ADAC recommends E10. Most cars built after 2010 are E10-compatible.
5. Optimize Driving Style: You can also save significantly by optimizing your own driving behavior. Specifically: Drive proactively, accelerating gently and releasing the gas early before braking. Shift up early: You can shift into the next higher gear at 2000 revolutions per minute. Turn off the engine: If you are stationary for more than 20 seconds (e.g. at railroad crossings or traffic lights), turn off the engine if you do not have a start-stop system. Use eco-mode if available, and avoid short trips: Because the engine consumes particularly much fuel when it is cold.
