Simecka: All of EU Addressing Fuel Prices, But Slovak Government Doing Nothing

Bratislava, 9 April (TASR) - Governments across Europe are taking action against rising fuel prices, but the Slovak government under Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is actually doing nothing, representatives of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party have stated in reference to the cabinet meeting on Wednesday (8 April), warning that despite the ceasefire agreed in the Middle East, upward pressure on prices will persist in the near future, thus requiring some action. "First, they wanted to rely on self-regulation by Slovnaft [refinery]; then there was the chaos with dual pricing of diesel, which turned out to be in breach of European rules. Later, they came up with the idea of reduced rail fares, but even that wasn't approved by the government at its session. The bottom line is that they've made no decisions to help people with the rising costs of petrol and diesel," stated PS leader Michal Simecka. He said that the government could draw inspiration from various measures introduced by other EU countries, such as capping fuel prices, limiting the frequency of price increases at petrol stations, capping retail margins, or reducing excise duties and VAT, as well as various compensation schemes and subsidies. "During such a crisis, in which people are justifiably concerned about rising prices amidst the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, unaffordable housing and the biggest tax burden seen in decades, we believe that the government ought to take action. We would take action," stressed Simecka. PS vice-chair Ivan Stefunko presented measures that PS would push to have implemented either immediately or within the span of a few months, as well as in the long term. The immediate measures would include fuel vouchers for drivers and assistance for the most vulnerable sectors, funded by increasing the taxes for companies that enjoy excessive profits. By the autumn, good results could be delivered by the better absorption of EU funds, support for heat pumps and photovoltaics, and so-called 'social leasing' for electric cars. In addition, diversifying energy sources, helping Slovak companies to adapt to the new reality in terms of energy and investments in the grid would help in the long term, added Stefunko. The oil emergency in Slovakia remains in effect, but the Slovak refinery is now permitted to export diesel to neighbouring countries, stated Fico together with Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) during the government session on Wednesday. According to the premier, the Slovnaft refinery returned the "oil loan" to the state material reserves on Sunday (5 April). The government regulation regarding fuelling vehicles with diesel will remain in effect until 19 April. According to Sakova, fuel prices in Europe have risen by an average of 48 cents per litre since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East. "In Slovakia, thanks to constructive cooperation with the Slovnaft refinery, fuel prices have risen by an average of 10 to 15 cents over the past two weeks. Today's fuel prices are also acceptable for the Slovak market," she added. jrg/df