European nation plans larger diesel costs for foreigners as gas tourism leaves stations dry | EUROtoday

A European nation is contemplating regulation to set larger diesel costs on the gas pumps for international drivers or limiting their refuelling.

Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico introduced the plan on Tuesday, as the federal government seems to guard towards gas tourism.

Mr Fico stated representatives from refiner Slovnaft, a part of Hungary’s oil and gasoline group MOL (MOLB.BU), had knowledgeable the federal government that in some northern districts subsequent to Poland, cheaper diesel costs on the Slovak aspect of the border had led to an increase in purchases.

In some instances, Mr Fico stated, “gas stations literally dried up”.

Governments around the globe worry a surge in gas costs triggered by the Iran struggle.

Hungary has capped gas costs, whereas Poland’s important refiner Orlen SA (PKN.WA) has minimize its margins to tame the impression on shoppers. Slovakia has up to now averted any measures, counting on self-regulation by sellers, which might additionally restrict volumes.

Mr Fico stated the federal government needed costs corresponding to most neighbouring nations like Poland, and cheaper than in Austria.

In the UK, diesel costs have soared by a mean of just below 19p per litre because the begin of the Middle East battle, new figures counsel.

The RAC stated the common worth of the gas at UK forecourts on Sunday was 161.2p per litre. This is in contrast with 142.4p when the US-Israeli marketing campaign towards Iran started on 28 February.

The 14 per cent improve means diesel is at its costliest stage since November 2023.

Petrol costs are up 7 per cent over the identical interval, rising from 132.8p per litre to 141.7p per litre.

The final time petrol was dearer was August 2024.

RAC head of coverage Simon Williams stated: “Drivers with diesel cars are really feeling the heat.

“Prices have shot up 18p a litre in just two weeks, adding £10 to the cost of a full tank.

“The average cost of filling up a 55-litre family car with diesel is now £88, whereas for petrol it’s £78.

“The UK has fewer refineries than ever and those we do have are more geared towards petrol production than diesel, so we’re reliant on imports which has contributed to diesel prices rising faster.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves advised petrol retailers final week that they had a “shared obligation” to maintain costs down for motorists.