Green Party slams Germany's fossil fuel reliance amid soaring energy costs

Green Party lawmaker Anton Hofreiter has sharply criticised the German government's plans to cut fuel and energy costs. He argued that these measures fail to address the root problem—Germany's ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. His comments come as fuel prices in the country have surged at twice the rate of the EU average.

Hofreiter dismissed the idea of short-term fixes for high fuel prices. Instead, he insisted that the only lasting solution lies in expanding renewable energy and electromobility. He pointed to drivers of electric cars, who charge at home and remain unaffected by rising fuel costs, as proof of this approach's effectiveness.

He also warned against the dangers of fossil fuel dependence, using Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a clear example of the risks involved. The lawmaker demanded an immediate shift in policy, urging the government to stop reinforcing reliance on oil and gas.

Germany had made strong progress in renewable energy, with renewables covering 58.6% of electricity generation by 2025. Electric vehicle adoption also grew, reaching one in five new car registrations that same year. However, Hofreiter accused the current government of undermining this momentum. In February 2026, officials weakened the Building Energy Act, allowing oil and gas heating systems to remain in use until the 2040s. The government also planned billion-euro subsidies for new gas power plants rather than speeding up the energy transition.

Despite his criticism, Hofreiter supported one proposed measure: using antitrust laws to tackle the market dominance driving up fuel prices.

Hofreiter's remarks highlight a clash over Germany's energy future. While the government pushes for temporary price relief, he insists on a full transition to renewables and electric transport. The debate comes as fuel costs continue to climb, leaving many drivers facing higher expenses.