Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that the government’s measure limiting diesel purchases to 400 euros per vehicle is working and will be maintained. Speaking after a government meeting in Veľké Zálužie, Fico clarified that the limit applies to large vehicles and currently equates to about 230–240 liters of diesel. He stressed that the Slovnaft refinery is able to supply the domestic market, but warned that global pressures on oil and gas prices could drive costs higher. “If there is pressure on price growth, we cannot accept that it costs 1.57 euros per liter here and 2.5 euros elsewhere. That simply doesn’t work,” he said.
Fico also noted that the Finance Ministry will reassess diesel prices on March 26, calculating them based on the average of surrounding countries. He emphasized that the current limit has been effective in stabilizing supplies and ensuring adequate fuel availability in Slovakia.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Denisa Saková said the Ministry of Economy is awaiting official guidance from the European Commission regarding objections to different fuel prices for Slovak and foreign drivers. She stressed that Slovakia is prepared to defend its measures, which were enacted in response to a state of oil emergency and the release of national oil reserves to support domestic production at Slovnaft.
Saková highlighted that the emergency measures—including special diesel pricing for foreign vehicles, purchase limits, and export bans—have already shown results. Within two days of implementation, the number of dry fuel stations dropped from 10% to 5%, reinforcing the government’s belief in the correctness of its decision. She also called on Slovnaft to refrain from reacting immediately to global price fluctuations while reserves are being used.
Both Fico and Saková emphasized that the government’s measures aim to protect Slovak citizens and stabilize the domestic fuel market. Saková noted, “Whenever there is an emergency regime, there are certain exceptions. We are ready to discuss and argue with the Commission about maintaining the current state or considering other measures,” while Fico stressed the importance of maintaining affordable fuel and preventing market shocks for the country.
Source: TASR
