Opposition Slams PM Fico's Proposal to Regulate Fuel Prices

Bratislava, 17 March (TASR) - Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) proposed measure to introduce dual fuel pricing for domestic and foreign motorists as inadequate and difficult to implement under European Union (EU) rules, TASR has learnt from statements issued by MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-'For the People' caucus) and Progressive Slovakia (PS) on Tuesday. Remisova stated that, in her view, the government doesn't have fuel prices under control. Instead of coming up with systemic solutions, the government is offering only an agreement with the Slovnaft refinery, which she claims is "profiteering from Slovakia's strategic oil reserves". She also described the proposal to restrict refuelling for drivers from other EU countries as problematic, noting that such a measure could be in conflict with the principles of the free market. PS MP Ivan Stefunko slammed the government's approach as short-term and uncoordinated, warning that Hungary faced a reaction from the European Commission for similar measures in the past, which even proved unsustainable in the long term. Stefunko added that PS would instead push for a stricter legislative approach toward Slovnaft's profits and for a temporary reduction in value-added tax or excise duty. jrg/df