Government's Solution to Fuel Crisis / Fico Considers Raising Diesel Prices for Foreign Customers, Slovnaft Wants to Stop Fuel Tourism
The Slovak government is considering raising diesel prices for foreign customers to combat fuel tourism, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is exploring the possibility of increasing diesel prices specifically for foreign customers as a measure to address the ongoing fuel crisis. During a press conference, Fico mentioned that they are analyzing the situation and that a decision will be made soon, although he clarified that this is not yet a definitive action. The goal of this potential policy is to manage the phenomenon of 'fuel tourism,' where consumers from neighboring countries purchase cheaper fuel in Slovakia, impacting local supply and prices.
Gabriel Szabó, the director of Slovnaft, Slovakia's leading oil company, suggested that gas stations may need to conduct checks on the technical documents of vehicles to distinguish between local and foreign customers. He emphasized that if a vehicle is registered outside the country, it would need to refuel at different prices, regardless of who is driving. While he noted he was uncertain about the implementation in Slovakia, he referenced experiences from other countries facing similar challenges.
Fico stressed that Slovak fuel prices are competitive compared to the V4 countries and significantly lower than in Austria, which the government intends to maintain. He indicated that the Slovak government does not plan to cap fuel prices but acknowledges that continued price increases in crude oil could influence local markets. This policy discussion reflects the government's attempt to balance economic pressures with the needs of local consumers amidst rising global fuel costs.