Germany’s National Security Council to discuss fuel shortages

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that rising fuel prices and potential shortages will be discussed shortly in the National Security Council. Members of the federal and state governments are urging for further measures. 

German Chancellor summons National Security Council

Since the first US-Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February 2026, fuel prices have almost doubled in Germany. According to Merz, the National Security Council will soon convene to address the energy crisis caused by blockages in the Strait of Hormuz.

Merz has stated that the government aims to ensure that “the German economy and citizens can rely on the supply of central products such as diesel, gasoline and plane fuel to be secured”, reports the tagesschau.

He has assured that, even though the current market is tense, German supply is safe. If the situation deteriorates further, the government is preparing to take necessary measures. Merz has said that “Supply security has the highest priority for Germany”, states an article by the tagesschau.

The National Security Council was established by the coalition government of the SPD and the CDU last year to enable fast and effective responses to crises and threats. Aside from the chancellor and a range of federal ministers, state figures may also be invited to participate in the Security Council's discussions.

Merz has announced that the state minister of Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies (SPD), will attend the next meeting of the council.

Further measures against the oil crisis in Germany 

The pressure on Chancellor Merz to act comes not only from the public but also from his own government. Head of the CDU, Jens Spahn, has voiced his concern about the prospect of a detrimental energy crisis if the war in Iran does not come to an end soon. If the blockages in the Strait of Hormuz persist, he has considered extending fuel tax cuts.

According to the dpa, several SPD State Ministers have requested a meeting with the chancellor in a letter to Merz. They urge for a quick response to allow them to reach an agreement on matters of energy security, prices and structure.

Federal State Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) will meet with representatives from the air travel sector to discuss kerosene supply in Germany. This follows a warning from the head of the International Energy Agency, who suggested that Europe might face a kerosene shortage by May. 

Furthermore, according to the tagesschau, the German government is considering military action to secure access to the Strait of Hormuz. Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius (SPD) has stated that the Federal Ministry of Defence is developing concrete plans for the navy's involvement in the conflict.