This photo taken on the afternoon of October 1, 2026, shows fuel prices displayed at a petrol station in Berlin's Spandau district. 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 John MACDOUGALL / AFP via Getty Images)