New fuel station regulation could take effect before Easter - Oil prices surge again as Iran tensions and U.S. sanctions relief shake markets
Oil prices have stayed high despite recent fluctuations, with North Sea Brent crude reaching $100.43 per barrel on Friday morning. The ongoing conflict with Iran continues to disrupt markets, while a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil has sparked mixed reactions from global leaders.
Fuel costs in Germany briefly fell for two days but climbed again by Friday, leaving drivers facing renewed price pressures at the pumps.
Earlier this week, fuel prices in Germany dropped for two straight days. On Thursday, E10 petrol cost €2.006 per litre, while diesel fell to €2.130. But by Friday morning, prices had risen again as oil markets recovered from a midweek dip.
The U.S. announced on March 13, 2026, that it would temporarily suspend some oil sanctions against Russia. The move allows sales of Russian oil already loaded onto ships until April 11, 2026, aiming to stabilise global supply amid tensions with Iran. Moscow welcomed the decision, claiming it covered around 100 million barrels in transit. However, U.S. officials downplayed the financial benefit to Russia, calling the exemption narrow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the U.S. decision, arguing it sent the wrong signal. EU Council President Antonio Costa described the move as 'deeply concerning'. Meanwhile, Clemens Fuest, head of the Ifo Institute, warned that the Iran conflict would slow Germany's economic growth but was unlikely to trigger a full-blown crisis.
A new German regulation to limit fuel price increases to once per day could take effect before Easter. The proposal still needs approval from the Bundestag and Bundesrat before becoming law.
The temporary U.S. sanctions relief on Russian oil has done little to ease long-term price pressures. German drivers face renewed fuel cost increases, while lawmakers push for stricter price controls. The economic impact of the Iran conflict remains a key concern for Europe's largest economy.
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