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Gas station prices shock: 22 price fluctuations per day!
Mobile phone apps show gas station prices that change rapidly every day. The Federal Cartel Office warns against price manipulation by corporations.
Gas station prices shock: 22 price fluctuations per day!
The use of mobile phone applications to help drivers refuel promises relief, especially in times of fluctuating fuel prices. These apps guide users to the cheapest gas station nearby. According to a report by the South German newspaper However, prices at gas stations are changing rapidly, which significantly limits the usefulness of these applications.
In Germany, there are an average of 22 price changes per day at a gas station, which the head of the authority, Andreas Mundt, describes as “an unbelievable amount”. This price back-and-forth is a big problem for drivers, as fuel prices can often change between when you search on the app and when you actually arrive at the gas station. Mundt emphasizes that the oil companies' price manipulation has a serious impact on the usefulness of these apps.
Price transparency through the market transparency office
In order to offer drivers a more reliable price overview, consumer information services have been set up that obtain their price data from the Market Transparency Office for Fuels. These services are approved by the relevant authority, such as the Website of the Federal Cartel Office confirmed. Consumers who have complaints about the gas station data displayed should contact the relevant complaint office of the Consumer Information Service.
Citizens have an email address available for direct concerns regarding the Market Transparency Office. You can contact us at mts-kraftstoffe-complaints@bundeskartellamt.bund.de. The Federal Cartel Office also points out that it processes personal data as part of its tasks. Information on the processing of this data can be found in the Federal Cartel Office's data protection declaration.
While the apps are a useful aid for many consumers, the question of reliability remains a key concern given the frequent price changes. The Federal Cartel Office remains committed to creating transparency on the fuel market and informing consumers about the current price situation.