German households and businesses could soon face a ban on buying new oil and gas fired heating systems as early as next year. The proposal comes from the German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who champions the energy reform pushed by the Alliance 90/The Greens. While the plan aims to accelerate the shift to cleaner heat, experts warn that turning the proposal into law will require careful drafting and multiple steps before any changes take effect. The government intends to expand the bill, clarifying implementation details and timing, but markets and households should prepare for a extended transition period with ongoing adjustments as the policy evolves.
In recent statements, Habeck signaled that even if the bill advances, its practical rollout could stretch over a longer horizon. This suggests a cautious approach by policymakers, prioritizing a stable transition over rapid disruption for households and businesses. The delay would allow industry players and consumers to adapt, understand new requirements, and plan for equipment upgrades or alternative heating options that align with the new standards. The broader aim remains clear: reduce dependence on fossil fuels and boost energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.
On April 15, discussions in the German regulatory landscape focused on price fairness and market oversight. The head of the Federal Cartel Office, Andreas Mundt, noted that antitrust authorities had opened inquiries into how energy suppliers set prices within the domestic market. The inquiries respond to a wave of consumer complaints about rising costs for various fuels and concerns that government price controls might be exploited. Regulators emphasize protecting consumers while ensuring that market competition remains robust and transparent. The emphasis is on evaluating whether pricing practices adhere to fair competition rules and whether any price manipulation or costly pass-throughs from wholesale energy markets to end users are at play, with outcomes expected to influence future policy moves and consumer protections.