This photo taken on October 1, 2026 after noon shows a display of the prices for different kinds of fuel at an oil and gas station in Berlin. German motorists began paying less to fill their cars on October 1, 2026 as fuel subsidies aimed at softening the impact of the Middle East war energy shock came into force. The subsidy is officially set at 17 cents a litre, though factors such as current oil prices and exchange rates can affect how much the discount is at the pump. As in many other countries, Europe's biggest economy has seen prices at the pump surge as the US war against Iran drags on, causing major disruptions to fuel supplies from the Middle East. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)