17 cents less per liter – is that enough for the taxi industry?

The German Taxi and Rental Car Association welcomes the decisions of the coalition committee announced on April 13 as a first step to relieve the industry. According to the association, the planned reduction of the energy tax on diesel and gasoline by 17 cents per liter is indeed a start, but regards this as insufficient in light of the previously sharply rising fuel prices.

The measure is initially limited to two months. Should fuel costs remain permanently at a high level, a follow-up adjustment would be necessary, according to the association. Taxi companies could not adjust their prices on short notice due to government-set tariffs. At the same time, the share of cashless rides in daily business is rising. In this context, school authorities and health insurers would also need to be included in the discussion.

Antitrust Law in Focus

The association views the planned tightening of antitrust law positively. Through expanded data collection, the Federal Cartel Office should in the future be able to detect abusive conduct by the mineral oil industry more quickly and to claw back unlawful advantages. The aim is to pass on falling crude oil prices to end consumers more quickly. As early as March 6, the association had already approached the President of the Federal Cartel Office with a corresponding demand.

Tax relief for employees

For the years 2026 and 2027, additional measures are planned that affect both employees and entrepreneurs. Thus, companies in the current year should have the opportunity to pay their employees a tax- and contribution-free bonus of up to €1,000. This could help retain driving personnel despite declining revenues in the sector.

Moreover, in the coming year an income tax reform is planned that would permanently relieve low- and middle-income earners. Since many employees in the taxi and rental-car sector work in this income segment, their net earnings could thereby increase.