Against the backdrop of rising oil prices due to the situation surrounding Iran, a number of EU countries have begun to impose restrictions on fuel sales. Drivers in certain regions are already facing refueling limits, indicating an intensification of the crisis in the fuel market.
The strictest measures were first implemented by Slovenia and Slovakia. In Slovenia, private drivers are allowed to refuel no more than 50 liters of fuel per day, while a limit of 200 liters is set for businesses. Authorities explain these steps by the surge in demand and logistics problems, despite the availability of supplies.
Slovakia took a different approach, establishing a financial limit: no more than 400 euros per vehicle. This is particularly sensitive for freight transport, as this amount only covers part of the tank's capacity.
Experts note that the situation is exacerbated by so-called "fuel tourism," where drivers from neighboring countries cross borders in search of cheaper fuel. Additionally, residents have started actively stockpiling fuel, leading to rapid depletion of tanks at gas stations.
The restrictions are already creating problems for the transport and logistics sector: carriers are forced to seek fuel abroad, stop more frequently, and raise rates, which may lead to an increase in the prices of goods in the long run.
Some countries are trying to mitigate the crisis's effects with financial measures. For instance, Italy has announced a temporary reduction in excise taxes and allocated 100 million euros to support transport companies. However, specialists warn that such steps do not address the problem as a whole, and the market will remain unstable as long as tensions persist in the Middle East.
Leave a comment