The Slovak government is contemplating a new regulation that would lead to foreign drivers paying higher prices for diesel fuel compared to local Slovak motorists. This proposal was discussed by Prime Minister Robert Fico following a meeting with representatives from the Bratislava refinery Slovnaft. Fico noted that with the recent rise in oil prices, diesel is currently the cheapest in Slovakia when compared to other Visegrad Group countries, and the government's objective is to have fuel prices comparable to those in the V4 countries—namely Czechia, Hungary, and Poland—and lower than those in Austria.

Moreover, Prime Minister Fico indicated that under this potential regulation, foreigners might only be allowed to refuel their vehicles' tanks with diesel. This decision comes in response to instances reported in northern Slovakia, where foreign motorists were filling additional containers with diesel fuel. Information from Gabriel Szabó, the CEO of Slovnaft, highlighted that an increasing number of Polish drivers have begun refueling in Slovakia, which could be contributing to the proposed changes in policy.

The implications of this proposed regulation are significant as they could affect cross-border fuel purchasing behavior. If enacted, it may deter foreign drivers from buying diesel in Slovakia, thereby impacting local fuel sales, and possibly driving up prices domestically in that sector. The government aims to balance local automotive fuel markets while managing foreign consumption patterns, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks that ensure equity among domestic and international consumers in the Slovak fuel market.