The federal government has initiated a special review of fuel prices.
The special review of fuel prices aims to verify the prompt passing on of price reductions on the world market by the end of the first quarter of 2026. “The goal is a clear, fact-based foundation for further steps, if necessary,” explained Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP).
Fuel Prices: Special Review Instead of Price Commission
The Ministry of Economic Affairs explains that the Competition Commission is not dealing with the market analysis due to the legal situation. “Since domestic prices are lower than the European average, the Minister of Economic Affairs cannot officially convene a price commission ex officio, hence there is a special review with the members of the price commission,” the ministry stated in a press release on Thursday evening. Additionally, the fuel market has been examined several times recently, including by the price commission and also by the Federal Competition Authority (BWB).
self all Open preferences. BWB: Price Transparency Has a Positive Effect on Fuel Prices
“Drivers must be able to rely on falling crude oil prices being quickly reflected at the pump,” emphasized Hattmannsdorfer. And the Director General of the Federal Competition Authority, Natalie Harsdorf-Borsch, added: “The BWB investigation of fuel prices in 2022 showed that the gross margins of refineries had tripled at that time, even though the operating costs of refineries had only increased by 1 cent per liter. Furthermore, BWB investigations in Lungau last year showed that not all gas stations reported prices to the fuel price calculator. After the gas stations reported the prices, the prices at the pumps began to fall. This proves that price transparency has a positive effect on fuel prices.”
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