Germany's ruling coalition announced relief measures worth approximately EUR1.6 billion (about USD1.9 billion) to help local consumers and businesses cope with rising oil prices. The energy tax on diesel and gasoline will be reduced by EUR0.17 per liter for a period of two months. The ruling coalition also agreed to allow companies to grant each employee a relief bonus of EUR1,000, with firms exempted from paying payroll tax and social security contributions on the payments.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the ruling coalition is doing everything possible to address issues arising from the Iran war. (fc/da)
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