The Kurfürstendamm boulevard in West Berlin during the Sunday driving ban, 25 November 1973 (Photo: The Federal Government, Photographer: Gert Schütz)
The Yom Kippur war triggers an oil-price crisis. OPEC decides to cut back its oil production until the territories occupied by Israel are freed. Oil prices climb dramatically; West Germany, which meets 55 percent of its energy consumption with imported oil and receives 75 percent of its oil imports from Arab countries, is particularly affected. On 9 November, the Bundestag passes an energy security law that imposes, among other things, a driving ban for four Sundays in November and December 1973.
15 November
1973
The GDR doubles the minimum exchange per person and day to 10 DM for visits to East Berlin and to 20 DM for visits to the GDR.
November 1973
Jens Niehaus, 1973 East German border patrol soldier: About the failed attempt to escape of four children in Potsdam-Babelsberg in November 1973 (Source: astfilm productions/Looks)
Udo Kutsch, 1973 East German pupil: About his failed attempt to escape together with three friends in Potsdam-Babelsberg in the year 1973 (Source: astfilm productions/Looks)
