Slight, continuous increases—particularly in diesel fuel prices—have been recorded over the past two weeks as a result of fluctuations in international fuel prices.
At the same time, September 17 is considered a particularly critical date for consumers, as that is when the extension of the reduced excise tax on fuels expires. If the measure is not renewed, there will automatically be an increase of 8.33 cents per liter, including VAT, for both 95- and 98-octane gasoline and diesel fuel.
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Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, Christodoulos Christodoulou, spokesperson for gas station owners, noted that the price of oil is now hovering around $92.
“This is a very serious situation with oil, because the price of diesel has now reached 1.86.”
Gas station owners warn that, in the case of diesel, the price could approach €2 per liter if tax relief is not extended.
The measure calls for a reduction in the excise tax on gasoline from €0.429 to €0.359 per liter and on diesel fuel from €0.40 to €0.33 per liter. The reduction amounts to 8.33 cents per liter, including VAT.
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The extension until September 17 was agreed upon by the Ministry of Finance following a request from most political parties, in order to allow for a reassessment of the measure when Parliament resumes its sessions in the fall. The Ministry had stated that the extension is estimated to yield a total benefit of €15.5 million for citizens.
When asked on August 25 whether a further extension was being considered, Finance Minister Makis Kerynos stated that the measures “are continuously evaluated in light of developments” and that specific decisions will be made “at the appropriate time.” At the same time, he noted that European Commission guidelines stipulate that such measures must be targeted and of short duration.
