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What you need to know
- Petrol prices in Germany have risen by around 11 cents per liter since the end of March
- The spike coincides with a new rule under which gas stations can only raise prices once per day
- German industrial output unexpectedly fell in February
- But exports from Germany in February surpassed expectations
Here is a roundup of the main news from and about Germany on Thursday, April 9, 2026:
Federal Cartel Office chief urges rapid fuel price cuts
The president of the German government’s Cartel Office has called for swift price reductions at petrol stations across the country in light of the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran.
The fragile truce agreed on Wednesday has seen the price of crude oil drop.
“Falling crude oil prices are a clear signal—and they should also be reflected at the pump in a timely manner,” Andreas Mundt said told the Handelsblatt newspaper.
Since the outbreak of the war, petrol prices have surged, particularly in Germany.
To offset the rise, Germany introduced a new law that allows gas stations to raise prices only once a day. But rather than leading to an immediate reduction, prices have continued to increase.
The price hike was implemented “very quickly,” Mundt pointed out. “It would only be logical if the same applied in the other direction.”
While Mundt said assessments on whether the rule change has had the desired effect would have to wait, he said the new law should restore some stability.
“Consumers will benefit in the long run from being able to compare prices more effectively and make more informed decisions about where to fill up,” he said.
Veteran German actor Mario Adorf dies aged 95
Legendary German actor Mario Adorf has died at the age of 95.
Adorf passed away on Wednesday, “after a short illness in his apartment in Paris,” his longtime manager Michael Stark said. Stark added that during a recent visit, the actor had thanked his audience for their decades of loyalty.
The president of the German Bundestag (parliament), Julia Klöckner of the ruling CDU, praised Adorf as one of Germany’s “most important actors,” whose artistic work had shaped generations.
“With his unmistakable presence and versatility, he enriched German and European cinema in a lasting way; his voice was powerful and authentic—yet imbued with a subtle thoughtfulness,” Klöckner said Thursday in Berlin.
Learn more about Adorf and his decades-long career in this obituary by DW’s Sven Töniges.
WATCH: How Germany’s Left Party is split over anti-Zionism
Israel’s military offensives in Gaza, Lebanon and against Iran have reopened deep divisions inside Germany’s Left Party, reigniting a long‑running debate over where anti‑Zionist criticism ends and antisemitism begins.
Germany’s industrial output falls after weak 1st quarter
Germany’s industrial production declined unexpectedly in February.
The fall came even before the war in the Middle East broke out and severely disrupted global markets and supply chains.
Data from the German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) published on Thursday said German industrial output declined by 0.3% in February compared to the previous month, when it remained flat. Production had been expected to grow by 0.6% to 0.7%.
“Data released today underline that Germany’s manufacturing sector was subdued even before the Iran conflict,” Andrew Kennigham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics, said, according to Reuters news agency.
Economists say the weak industrial output points to an underwhelming first quarter for the largest economy in Europe, and the fact that Germany’s economy was set to contract irrespective of the crisis in the Middle East.
“As much as we were hoping to finally comment on some good economic news from Germany, it is a bit like waiting for a German train these days: definitely delayed and uncertain whether it will ever arrive,” said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING.
Exports surpass expectations
German exports, however, rose more than expected, driven by stronger demand in Europe, Destatis said.
Exports rose by 3.6% compared to January, the biggest rise since May 2022. Forecasts had predicted a 1% increase.
The rise was largely due to a monthly increase of 5.8% in exports to EU countries, while exports to nations outside the EU rose by 0.8%.
Exports to the US, Germany’s main export destination, fell by 7.5%, largely due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Germany’s fuel prices rise much sharper than EU neighbors
Petrol prices in Germany have risen by far more than in other EU countries, the latest data from the European Commission showed.
Prices increased by around 11 euro cents ($0.12) per liter between March 30 and April 6.
The cost of gas only rose by a few cents in most countries neighboring Germany. In Poland and Austria, prices even declined after government intervention.
The period in question overlaps with a new law that was introduced in Germany, known as the “12 p.m. rule”, which stipulates that gas stations can only raise their prices once per day, at midday.
The policy was modeled on one introduced by neighboring Austria. Critics had highlighted the risk that it could increase prices rather than lower them, arguing that petrol stations might raise prices sharply at 12 p.m. to offset their inability to raise them later.
ADAC, Germany’s motorists’ association, said the first days after the new rule was introduced saw average price jumps of more than 10 cents nationwide.
An Economy Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that it was too early to draw firm conclusions on whether the new law is having the desired effect.
Petrol prices have surged since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Morgen from Bonn, where the sun is shining, spring is nearing full swing and the city’s cherry blossoms are close to peak bloom.
But the pleasant weather can’t distract from the issue on many German motorists’ minds: rising petrol prices, driven by the disruption to oil supplies due to the war in the Middle East.
Prices have surged in Germany in recent days, significantly more than in many of its EU neighbors.
Something that has not surged, however, are German exports, which unexpectedly fell in February, the latest figures show.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on those stories and more from Germany.
- Petrol prices in Germany have risen by around 11 cents per liter since the end of March
- The spike coincides with a new rule under which gas stations can only raise prices once per day
- German industrial output unexpectedly fell in February
- But exports from Germany in February surpassed expectations
Here is a roundup of the main news from and about Germany on Thursday, April 9, 2026:
Here is a roundup of the main news from and about Germany on Thursday, April 9, 2026:
The president of the German government’s Cartel Office has called for swift price reductions at petrol stations across the country in light of the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran.
The fragile truce agreed on Wednesday has seen the price of crude oil drop.
“Falling crude oil prices are a clear signal—and they should also be reflected at the pump in a timely manner,” Andreas Mundt said told the Handelsblatt newspaper.
Since the outbreak of the war, petrol prices have surged, particularly in Germany.
To offset the rise, Germany introduced a new law that allows gas stations to raise prices only once a day. But rather than leading to an immediate reduction, prices have continued to increase.
The price hike was implemented “very quickly,” Mundt pointed out. “It would only be logical if the same applied in the other direction.”
While Mundt said assessments on whether the rule change has had the desired effect would have to wait, he said the new law should restore some stability.
“Consumers will benefit in the long run from being able to compare prices more effectively and make more informed decisions about where to fill up,” he said.
The president of the German government’s Cartel Office has called for swift price reductions at petrol stations across the country in light of the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran.
The fragile truce agreed on Wednesday has seen the price of crude oil drop.
“Falling crude oil prices are a clear signal—and they should also be reflected at the pump in a timely manner,” Andreas Mundt said told the Handelsblatt newspaper.
Since the outbreak of the war, petrol prices have surged, particularly in Germany.
To offset the rise, Germany introduced a new law that allows gas stations to raise prices only once a day. But rather than leading to an immediate reduction, prices have continued to increase.
The price hike was implemented “very quickly,” Mundt pointed out. “It would only be logical if the same applied in the other direction.”
While Mundt said assessments on whether the rule change has had the desired effect would have to wait, he said the new law should restore some stability.
“Consumers will benefit in the long run from being able to compare prices more effectively and make more informed decisions about where to fill up,” he said.
Legendary German actor Mario Adorf has died at the age of 95.
Adorf passed away on Wednesday, “after a short illness in his apartment in Paris,” his longtime manager Michael Stark said. Stark added that during a recent visit, the actor had thanked his audience for their decades of loyalty.
The president of the German Bundestag (parliament), Julia Klöckner of the ruling CDU, praised Adorf as one of Germany’s “most important actors,” whose artistic work had shaped generations.
“With his unmistakable presence and versatility, he enriched German and European cinema in a lasting way; his voice was powerful and authentic—yet imbued with a subtle thoughtfulness,” Klöckner said Thursday in Berlin.
Learn more about Adorf and his decades-long career in this obituary by DW’s Sven Töniges.
Legendary German actor Mario Adorf has died at the age of 95.
Adorf passed away on Wednesday, “after a short illness in his apartment in Paris,” his longtime manager Michael Stark said. Stark added that during a recent visit, the actor had thanked his audience for their decades of loyalty.
The president of the German Bundestag (parliament), Julia Klöckner of the ruling CDU, praised Adorf as one of Germany’s “most important actors,” whose artistic work had shaped generations.
“With his unmistakable presence and versatility, he enriched German and European cinema in a lasting way; his voice was powerful and authentic—yet imbued with a subtle thoughtfulness,” Klöckner said Thursday in Berlin.
Learn more about Adorf and his decades-long career in this obituary by DW’s Sven Töniges.
Israel’s military offensives in Gaza, Lebanon and against Iran have reopened deep divisions inside Germany’s Left Party, reigniting a long‑running debate over where anti‑Zionist criticism ends and antisemitism begins.
Israel’s military offensives in Gaza, Lebanon and against Iran have reopened deep divisions inside Germany’s Left Party, reigniting a long‑running debate over where anti‑Zionist criticism ends and antisemitism begins.
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Germany’s industrial production declined unexpectedly in February.
The fall came even before the war in the Middle East broke out and severely disrupted global markets and supply chains.
Data from the German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) published on Thursday said German industrial output declined by 0.3% in February compared to the previous month, when it remained flat. Production had been expected to grow by 0.6% to 0.7%.
“Data released today underline that Germany’s manufacturing sector was subdued even before the Iran conflict,” Andrew Kennigham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics, said, according to Reuters news agency.
Economists say the weak industrial output points to an underwhelming first quarter for the largest economy in Europe, and the fact that Germany’s economy was set to contract irrespective of the crisis in the Middle East.
“As much as we were hoping to finally comment on some good economic news from Germany, it is a bit like waiting for a German train these days: definitely delayed and uncertain whether it will ever arrive,” said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING.
Exports surpass expectations
German exports, however, rose more than expected, driven by stronger demand in Europe, Destatis said.
Exports rose by 3.6% compared to January, the biggest rise since May 2022. Forecasts had predicted a 1% increase.
The rise was largely due to a monthly increase of 5.8% in exports to EU countries, while exports to nations outside the EU rose by 0.8%.
Exports to the US, Germany’s main export destination, fell by 7.5%, largely due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Germany’s industrial production declined unexpectedly in February.
The fall came even before the war in the Middle East broke out and severely disrupted global markets and supply chains.
Data from the German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis) published on Thursday said German industrial output declined by 0.3% in February compared to the previous month, when it remained flat. Production had been expected to grow by 0.6% to 0.7%.
“Data released today underline that Germany’s manufacturing sector was subdued even before the Iran conflict,” Andrew Kennigham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics, said, according to Reuters news agency.
Economists say the weak industrial output points to an underwhelming first quarter for the largest economy in Europe, and the fact that Germany’s economy was set to contract irrespective of the crisis in the Middle East.
“As much as we were hoping to finally comment on some good economic news from Germany, it is a bit like waiting for a German train these days: definitely delayed and uncertain whether it will ever arrive,” said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
German exports, however, rose more than expected, driven by stronger demand in Europe, Destatis said.
Exports rose by 3.6% compared to January, the biggest rise since May 2022. Forecasts had predicted a 1% increase.
The rise was largely due to a monthly increase of 5.8% in exports to EU countries, while exports to nations outside the EU rose by 0.8%.
Exports to the US, Germany’s main export destination, fell by 7.5%, largely due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Petrol prices in Germany have risen by far more than in other EU countries, the latest data from the European Commission showed.
Prices increased by around 11 euro cents ($0.12) per liter between March 30 and April 6.
The cost of gas only rose by a few cents in most countries neighboring Germany. In Poland and Austria, prices even declined after government intervention.
The period in question overlaps with a new law that was introduced in Germany, known as the “12 p.m. rule”, which stipulates that gas stations can only raise their prices once per day, at midday.
The policy was modeled on one introduced by neighboring Austria. Critics had highlighted the risk that it could increase prices rather than lower them, arguing that petrol stations might raise prices sharply at 12 p.m. to offset their inability to raise them later.
ADAC, Germany’s motorists’ association, said the first days after the new rule was introduced saw average price jumps of more than 10 cents nationwide.
An Economy Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that it was too early to draw firm conclusions on whether the new law is having the desired effect.
Petrol prices have surged since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.
Petrol prices in Germany have risen by far more than in other EU countries, the latest data from the European Commission showed.
Prices increased by around 11 euro cents ($0.12) per liter between March 30 and April 6.
The cost of gas only rose by a few cents in most countries neighboring Germany. In Poland and Austria, prices even declined after government intervention.
The period in question overlaps with a new law that was introduced in Germany, known as the “12 p.m. rule”, which stipulates that gas stations can only raise their prices once per day, at midday.
The policy was modeled on one introduced by neighboring Austria. Critics had highlighted the risk that it could increase prices rather than lower them, arguing that petrol stations might raise prices sharply at 12 p.m. to offset their inability to raise them later.
ADAC, Germany’s motorists’ association, said the first days after the new rule was introduced saw average price jumps of more than 10 cents nationwide.
An Economy Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that it was too early to draw firm conclusions on whether the new law is having the desired effect.
Petrol prices have surged since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Guten Morgen from Bonn, where the sun is shining, spring is nearing full swing and the city’s cherry blossoms are close to peak bloom.
But the pleasant weather can’t distract from the issue on many German motorists’ minds: rising petrol prices, driven by the disruption to oil supplies due to the war in the Middle East.
Prices have surged in Germany in recent days, significantly more than in many of its EU neighbors.
Something that has not surged, however, are German exports, which unexpectedly fell in February, the latest figures show.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on those stories and more from Germany.
Guten Morgen from Bonn, where the sun is shining, spring is nearing full swing and the city’s cherry blossoms are close to peak bloom.
But the pleasant weather can’t distract from the issue on many German motorists’ minds: rising petrol prices, driven by the disruption to oil supplies due to the war in the Middle East.
Prices have surged in Germany in recent days, significantly more than in many of its EU neighbors.
Something that has not surged, however, are German exports, which unexpectedly fell in February, the latest figures show.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on those stories and more from Germany.
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