tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 01.04.2026

German public broadcaster Tagesschau's evening news on April 1, 2026, rounds up key developments including surging fuel prices under new daily limits, a slashed economic growth forecast, Middle East conflict tightening oil supplies, U.S. President Trump's threats to NATO and Iran, Germany's drive to repatriate most Syrian refugees, a critical review of cannabis partial legalization, and brief updates on space, wildlife, sports, and weather.

Fuel Prices Rise Under New Rules, Dragging Economy

A new regulation took effect allowing fuel stations to raise prices only once daily, at noon. In Osnabrück, diesel jumped from 2.29 to 2.43 euros per liter, with super at 2.13 euros after a 9-cent hike. Tank operator Steven Gröbler in Berlin-Charlottenburg called it a relief compared to potential sharper increases but warned of ripple effects: higher truck fuel costs passed to consumers, inflating goods like butter to five euros. High energy prices, linked to five weeks of Middle East war disrupting global oil, sour consumer mood and economic recovery. Leading institutes cut their 2026 GDP growth forecast from 1.3% to 0.6%, halved due to energy shock pushing second-quarter inflation near 3%, eroding household purchasing power. Beyond energy, chronic weak industrial output and structural shifts signal zero average GDP growth by decade's end. Institutes urge reforms like pension changes t