In Slovakia, a new pricing system for diesel fuel for vehicles with local and foreign license plates has been implemented since the beginning of the week. From now on, drivers of vehicles registered outside the country will have to pay more for diesel than local residents.
This is reported by Finway
Features of the New Pricing Policy
Gas station operators are now required to charge owners of vehicles with foreign registration a fixed price of €1.826 per liter. This price is based on the average diesel prices in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria according to data from the European Commission. For comparison, at the beginning of last week, diesel in Slovakia was approximately one-sixth cheaper than the new rate for foreigners.
At gas stations, the price for vehicles with foreign license plates is indicated separately. Local drivers receive a discount at the time of payment if their vehicle is registered in Slovakia.
Restrictions and Reactions to the New Measures
Since last week, the country has also implemented restrictions on the volume and amount of diesel refueling, which are in place for 30 days. Government representatives explained this as a response to the increasing number of Polish drivers coming to Slovakia for cheaper fuel.
Since last Thursday, additional restrictions have been introduced: drivers can only refuel the fuel tank of their vehicle and one canister up to 10 liters. The maximum purchase amount for diesel fuel in one refueling is €400.
Transport operators have criticized these rules, emphasizing that the established restrictions allow only about one-fifth of a large truck’s tank to be filled. Exceptions to the restrictions are provided for service vehicles for security, rescue, military, agricultural, and construction equipment.
“One of the arguments of the Slovak government is that the country has been effectively in a state of emergency regarding oil since mid-February. At the same time, for example, the largest fuel retailer in the country – the Bratislava refinery Slovnaft – has raised fuel prices.”
After a sharp rise in oil prices caused by the war in the Middle East, fuel prices in Slovakia have been increasing more slowly than in many other EU countries, making it one of the states with the cheapest diesel in the region. However, as emphasized by the Slovak Association of the Fuel Industry and Trade, such practices may contradict European regulations.
Prime Minister Robert Fico noted that he does not expect a reaction from the European Commission, as the dual diesel prices will only be in effect for 30 days.