Lower Saxony: IG Metall Warns of Rising Fuel Costs for Millions of Workers

IG Metall demands urgent action as fuel costs crush Lower Saxony workers

The IG Metall union in Lower Saxony has raised the alarm over the consequences of soaring fuel prices for millions of employees. For many, commuting to work has become a noticeable financial burden—especially in a sprawling state like Lower Saxony, where vast commuter regions make cars indispensable for most people. This warning comes in a press release issued by the union.

"I'm deeply concerned about commuters across the state!" says Thorsten Gröger, head of IG Metall's Lower Saxony district. "We're talking about the people who keep this country running every day—nurses, factory workers, tradespeople, shift workers. They don't drive for fun; they have to get to work. And now they're standing at the pump, feeling every single cent of the price hike."

No Real Alternatives to Cars

Outside major urban centers, viable alternatives to private vehicles are often nonexistent. "Anyone who says people should just switch to buses and trains doesn't understand the reality for many workers. When shifts start early in the morning, there's often no public transport running. Those living in rural areas usually have no real choice. Strengthening public transit is the right move—but for countless employees, their own car remains the only option," Gröger emphasizes.

For IG Metall, one thing is clear: the daily commute must remain affordable. "We cannot allow a situation where people start questioning whether going to work is even worth it financially. Of course, work must pay—that's beyond debate. But the very idea that workers might think otherwise is toxic. If employees begin calculating whether their jobs still make sense, something is fundamentally broken. That would send a disastrous signal!" the union leader warns.

"Politicians Must Step Up"

The union holds policymakers squarely responsible. With the overall cost of living—and mobility costs in particular—rising sharply, these issues must take top priority. "For many, this isn't about luxury; it's about whether they'll have anything left at the end of the month. Politicians need to take this seriously at last."

IG Metall Lower Saxony is calling for swift, tangible relief measures: direct support for commuters through an increased or immediate payout of the commuter allowance, a standardized mobility subsidy, a new energy cost lump-sum payment (as in 2022), and action against excessive crisis profits by oil companies. "People don't need grand announcements—they need real relief they can see at the pump and in their bank accounts. Yes, oil companies must be more transparent, but transparency alone won't put money back in workers' wallets," Gröger adds.

"No Taboos on Intervention"

If the crisis persists long-term, further interventions must not be off the table, Gröger insists. "If the situation worsens, the federal government must have the courage to reinstate energy price caps. We're not just seeing spikes at the pump—gas prices are climbing too. The state cannot stand by while corporations rake in profits and workers foot the bill. We saw in 2022 that government action is possible when there's political will!"

At the same time, the union demands greater pressure from state governments. "We also expect Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt to get more involved. Simply looking to Berlin isn't enough. Without more urgency, too little will change."

Risks to Industrial Competitiveness

Beyond the strain on workers, IG Metall warns of broader risks to Germany's industrial base. Skyrocketing energy costs are hitting not just commuters but businesses as well. "What drivers feel at the pump, companies feel with their electricity and gas bills. The economic climate is already challenging enough." Since 2022, the union has pushed for an effective industrial electricity price. "The promised relief for energy-intensive industries must finally materialize. It's not enough to just describe the problem—the federal government must deliver. However, the current proposal from [Economy Minister Robert] Habeck's ministry falls short, offers limited help, and often misses the mark for businesses!"

"Break Free from Fossil Dependence"

For Gröger, one thing is clear: the current debate must not be limited to short-term aid. It must also lead to a strategic realignment. "In Germany, we only notice our dependencies when they hit us hard—whether it was supply chains and medical products during the coronavirus pandemic, reliance on Russian energy after the invasion of Ukraine, or the recurring semiconductor shortages in the automotive industry. Energy and industrial policy are security policy. Germany and Europe must break free from fossil fuel dependence if we want to remain economically strong and politically sovereign. At the same time, we need more value creation within Europe. Anyone who wants to sell here must also create jobs here—the keyword is local content!"