Taxes

The Mobility Association welcomes the planned relief on gasoline and diesel in principle. For taxi, non-emergency medical transport, and bus companies, however, it only compensates a small portion of the rising fuel costs.

Taxi-, rental-car-, patient-transport- and emergency medical service providers could hardly pass on higher costs in the short term. The industry association VSPV therefore demands an automatic relief mechanism.

(dpa) Already by the morning after the end of the tax relief, fuel prices are noticeably above the previous day's level. Further price movements throughout the day are possible.

(dpa) With the expiry of the temporary tax cut on fuels, consumer centers expect rising prices. They demand tight oversight by the Federal Cartel Office and further relief in energy costs.

A joint initiative by VSPV and the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce aims to close tax and control gaps. In doing so, a model from the Netherlands also comes into focus.

Despite the tax cut on fuels, industry representatives see unresolved structural problems and demand lasting reforms in energy and levies.

Global crises often seem abstract - for many industries they remain distant news from the international business pages. For the taxi and rental car industry in Bavaria, however, geopolitical tensions can now be clearly read at the pump. A liter of diesel costs well over two euros in many places. For companies whose business model is based on a high mileage, this noticeably changes their cost calculations.

The latest escalation in the Middle East has set energy markets worldwide in motion. Diesel prices in Germany have risen noticeably – significantly stronger than in neighboring countries. Within a few days, the price per liter of diesel here rose by up to 30 euro cents, an increase of around 15 percent. Across Europe, the rise was comparatively modest at three to five percent.

(dpa / kk) For many taxi operators, the economic viability of their fleets plays a decisive role – especially when transitioning to electric mobility. Now there is tailwind from Berlin: The federal government intends to extend the vehicle tax exemption for electric vehicles until 2035. That is also an important signal for the taxi industry. Because those who opt for an electric taxi in the coming years can continue to benefit from a substantial tax relief.

High costs, declining revenues, and the transition to electric vehicles are weighing on the industry. The new special depreciation could facilitate investments and improve liquidity, especially in fleet renewal.