Some Germans support stopping one day a week from using cars, in an effort to reduce Russian oil and gas imports.
-
A new way for the Germans to reduce Russian oil imports
LONDON (Archyde.com) – Many Germans would support a one-day-a-week car stop to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas imports, an opinion poll concluded on Friday, as rising gasoline and diesel prices pressure both households and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government.
A poll conducted by “Sivie” for the “Welt” network showed that 48 percent of Germans would support not using cars, on Sundays of every week, to help “reduce the imports of Russian oil that make them feel guilty.” About 46% of the participants opposed the idea.
Gasoline and diesel prices in Germany rose in February by regarding 26 percent compared to the same period a year ago, with just over 30 percent of oil imports coming from Russia.
The price hike has led to calls to reduce dependence on energy imports from Russia, while protecting consumers from rising prices and preserving the economic recovery from the pandemic.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner wants to achieve a temporary discount on gasoline and diesel, which will cost the state 6.6 billion euros over three months.
Some lawmakers say higher energy prices will reduce driving demand and help Germany cut greenhouse gas emissions, which rose 4.5 percent last year.
