Several German transport industry associations have sent an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz warning that soaring energy and operating costs — worsened by the oil market disruption following the outbreak of war with Iran — are pushing freight, logistics, bus, taxi, and vehicle rental companies to the brink of collapse. The associations report that business closures and insolvencies are already rising, and they are demanding immediate government action including cuts to energy and electricity taxes, an end to double carbon emissions taxation, a fuel price cap, and short-term financial compensation for affected firms. Criticizing the government for slow decision-making and a public dispute between the Economy and Finance Ministers over fuel price policy, the groups warned that without rapid intervention, a broad wave of bankruptcies could destabilize supply chains and undermine public confidence in the government's ability to manage the crisis.