Re: Exceptions for such dual-purpose signs have been arranged.
Yes, the requirement to publish prices was in lieu of real anti-cartel legislation against the refineries. Fuel pricing is elastic because the majority of customers have no alternative. Time and again a rise in oil prices is used to justify a hike at the pumps, even though the relationship between the spot market for oil and the contract market for refined products is more than a little indirect.
Of course, higher prices should, in theory, lead to reduced use, which for most drivers is possible simply by lowering their speed on the motorways: 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h would produce a noticeable saving on many journeys; the savings would be greater the more people do it. But, even though a majority of German drivers are now in favour of it, the idea of a national speed limit is anathema to many politicians.
But we're due for an almighty scream at the end of the month when the duty "holiday" runs out and petrol will go up € 0.30 a litre over night. This might encourage some people to drive less or at least lower for a while but, as has been observed with smokers, over time they'll be racing between traffic lights again.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
