Fuel prices in Germany: Gas stations often increase their prices

On average, prices at gas stations rise seven to eight times a day, a ZEIT analysis shows. But there are clear differences – even between federal states.

March 20, 2026, 2:11 p.m

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Article summary

Gas station prices in Germany are not only high, but also constantly changing. The federal government plans to limit price increases to once a day. An analysis shows that gas prices rise on average seven to eight times per day. Price dynamics result from intense competition and customer behavior. Some gas stations raise prices less often, based on similar mechanisms to large chains.

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The level of prices in German Gas stations is currently not the only nuisance for drivers. The prices are constantly changing too. You can find out more about various apps. But by the time you get to the supposedly cheapest gas station in the area, the prices may have risen again.

The Federal Government has one this week Law introducedaccording to which gas stations are only allowed to increase their prices once a day, at 12 noon. But what does that really change? ZEIT evaluated this using data from the Tankerkönig app for all 14,999 gas stations in Germany. According to the ZEIT analysis, the price of a type of fuel increases on average seven to eight times every day. But there are significant differences depending on the gas station. And even between federal states.