Border refuelling in vogue: Why German motorists are increasingly refuelling abroad
Border refuelling in vogue: Why German motorists are increasingly refuelling abroad
Rising fuel prices in Germany are driving more and more motorists to drive across the border to refuel. Especially at the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic, authorities are currently observing a growing number of so-called "tank tourists". German customs have therefore significantly increased their controls at several border crossings.
According to current reports, crossings in the federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Bavaria are particularly affected. There, customs officials specifically check vehicles with German license plates returning to Germany from abroad. The background to this is the significant difference in fuel prices between Germany and its eastern neighbours.
While motorists now often have to pay more than two euros per litre at many German petrol stations, the price in Poland or the Czech Republic is sometimes 30 to 60 cents lower per litre. For many commuters and residents of regions close to the border, a short detour across the border is therefore worthwhile even with a single tank of fuel.
This price development is also causing political discussions. Brandenburg's Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke publicly expressed incomprehension that fuel in Germany is significantly more expensive than in neighboring Poland - although both countries are part of the European Union and have comparable market conditions.
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Legally, refueling abroad is generally permitted. If you fill up your vehicle in Poland or the Czech Republic and then drive back to Germany, you do not have to declare or pay tax on the fuel in the tank. In addition, travelers are allowed to carry a canister with up to 20 liters of fuel without having to pay additional taxes.
It only becomes problematic when larger quantities of fuel are imported. In this case, tax regulations apply, and the excess fuel must be taxed retrospectively. This is exactly where the current customs controls come in.
It is currently still unclear how many motorists have actually violated the regulations so far. According to the customs authorities, an official balance of the controls is not yet available.
What does this mean for German motorists?
For many drivers – especially in border regions – refueling abroad remains a legal way to save money. With a tank of 50 liters, the price difference can quickly add up to 15 to 30 euros in savings.
At the same time, the increased controls show that the authorities are paying more attention to ensuring that the permitted quantities are observed. However, those who only refuel abroad and observe the legal limits still do not have to fear any consequences.
The discussion about the high fuel prices in Germany is therefore likely to continue – especially as long as the price differences with neighboring countries remain so clear.
Current fuel prices compared: Germany vs. Cyprus
The price differences for fuel are currently considerable within Europe - especially in comparison between Germany and other EU countries such as Cyprus.
In Germany, the average price for premium petrol (E10 / Super 95) is currently around 2.00 to 2.09 euros per litre, while diesel costs between around 2.13 and 2.24 euros per litre. Prices are currently fluctuating wildly, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties in the oil market are causing the cost of crude oil to rise significantly.
By comparison,
prices are significantly lower in Cyprus. Here, premium gasoline (95 octane) currently costs an average of about 1.32 euros per liter, while diesel is around 1.42 euros per liter.
Example calculation for drivers
The difference is considerable for many drivers:
Fuel Germany Cyprus
Petrol (Super 95 / E10) approx. €2.00–€2.09 approx. 1.32 €
Diesel approx. 2.13–2.24 € approx. €1.42For
a tank of 50 litres, this means:
- Gasoline: up to about 35–40 euros difference
- Diesel: about 35 euros
difference
Why Germany is significantly more expensive
Why Germany is significantly more expensive
Germany is one of the countries with the highest fuel prices in Europe. Reasons for this include:
- High energy taxes and CO₂ levies
- Rising crude oil prices due to international conflicts
- Market mechanisms and import dependence on diesel
What this means for motorists
For German motorists – especially in border regions – refuelling abroad is often still worthwhile. Price differences of 30 to 60 cents per liter are not uncommon at the moment.
In countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic or even partly Austria, motorists can therefore save noticeably. At the same time, the comparison with Cyprus shows that Germany continues to be one of the most expensive refuelling countries within the EU.
Whether
it's a place of residence, YellowSlip or setting up a company – we help you to gain a foothold in Cyprus. Personal, experienced and efficient.
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Author: Tom Weyermann
Sources: REUTERS / NIWS / The Local Guard / in-cyprus.philenews.com / Wienity24
