Dutch drivers cross into Germany to fill up on gas after tax hike

Dutch motorists are increasingly crossing into Germany to fill up their cars as fuel taxes rise in the Netherlands, leaving local gas stations scrambling to retain customers, De Telegraaf reported. The trend is particularly visible in border regions, where the price difference for gasoline has grown sharply since January 1.

At Kuster Energy stations in Emmerich and other German towns near the border, Dutch license plates are now a common sight. The company, which operates ten stations in Germany and 42 in the Netherlands, reports an average savings of roughly 30 euro cents per liter for Dutch drivers. Jan Pieter de Wilde, the commercial director at Kuster Energy, told De Telegraaf that it makes a significant difference.

Johanna Bleumink, a driver from Brummen, brought three extra jerrycans to a station in Emmerich to maximize savings. “Now I can fill an extra 25 liters. I don’t know exactly how much I save, but it’s tens of euros,” Bleumink told the newspaper.

The Dutch government’s fuel tax increase, enacted on January 1, comes after a reduction in planned fuel discounts. Gasoline is now 5.6 euro cents per liter pricier than last year, diesel 3.5 cents higher, and LPG 1.5 cents higher. In November, the ChristenUnie proposed redirecting 448 million euros from fuel tax relief to public transportation, a plan narrowly approved by the Tweede Kamer.

Labor union CNV criticized the decision. “The fuel tax increase hurts millions of working people who rely on their cars to get to work,” the union said.

Fuel taxes in the Netherlands account for a significant portion of the pump price. De Wilde noted, “The tax burden here is the highest in Europe.” To compete, Dutch stations near the border are offering promotions, such as additional services like car washes, quick chargers, and sandwich bars, to retain customers.

At Fieten Olie in Silvolde, just ten minutes from the German border, Euro 95 gasoline is sold at 1.86 euros per liter—36.2 cents below the advised price. Henk Strijker, financial director at Fieten, said the company adjusts pricing per location and applies discounts in border towns to compete with German stations.

Similarly, Goris Brandstoffen in Wehl, about 15 kilometers from Emmerich am Rhein, keeps fuel prices consistently low. “We’ve become known nationwide for our low prices. In the border region, that’s essential,” said senior staff member Jacqueline Hammink. The station also offers propane refilling, gas canisters, car washes, and fuel cards for companies. Hammink acknowledged the price gap with Germany is regrettable but said there is no loss of revenue due to the station’s additional services and strategic location near an industrial area.