High fuel prices: Transport Minister Bilger puts taxi companies in his sights

The high fuel prices are putting taxi companies under pressure. Unlike many other businesses, they cannot offset rising operating costs in the short term through higher prices. Because the transport fares in traditional taxi traffic are set by the competent authorities, adjusting tariffs takes time and requires a corresponding approval procedure. That this particular situation of the industry is also being recognized at the federal level is an important signal for the taxi trade. Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) addressed the burden on taxi companies at the 20th SZ Economic Summit in Berlin. In his remarks, he made clear that taxi operators cannot pass on rising fuel costs directly to their passengers. He also used this as an argument for a fuel price cap.

Special framework conditions for the taxi trade

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) welcomes that the minister explicitly addressed the economic situation of the industry. In the association's view, the special framework conditions of the taxi trade must be taken into account in political relief measures. After all, cost development directly affects companies that cannot freely set their prices in their cost calculations.

The SZ Economic Summit will take place from 9 to 11 November for the first time at the Berlin Gasometer on the EUREF Campus. Under the motto "Sovereign in Turbulent Times," representatives from politics, business and science will discuss the future of Germany's position as a business location. The program includes, among other things, energy supply, industrial competitiveness and transport infrastructure.