PM Fico: Fuel Prices to Match V4 Levels and Be Cheaper Than in Austria

Bratislava, 17 March (TASR) - Fuel prices in Slovakia should be roughly at the same level as those in the other Visegrad Four (V4) countries [the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland] in the coming weeks and significantly cheaper than in Austria, stated Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) after the government's meeting with representatives of the Slovnaft refinery on Tuesday. "We want to be at a comparable level within the V4, and as far as Austria is concerned, we want to be cheaper," said Fico, adding that this is currently the case. However, lower fuel prices are also starting to cause problems, he noted. "Today, Slovnaft representatives warned us of a situation in some northern districts of Slovakia, where, due to diesel being significantly cheaper than in Poland, mass purchases have been reported, and not just into fuel tanks," said Fico. According to the prime minister, the government has agreed with Slovnaft that any refuelling limits will remain at the discretion of retailers. However, the government might consider adopting a regulation to introduce higher diesel prices for foreign drivers. "Foreigners will have to buy diesel at a price that may correspond to the one in their home country; in other words, there will be a completely different price. We can do that. The applicable legislation allows us to do so, and legal experts are now assessing whether we'll adopt such a regulation," added Fico. jrg/df