The percentage of gas stations that fully implemented the reduction in the excise tax on heating oil stands at 93 percent, while the remaining 7% implemented only a partial price reduction or none at all. This was reported by the Director of the Consumer Protection Agency, Konstantinos Karagiorgis, while speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” program, presenting the results of inspections conducted following the implementation of the government measure on October 23.
As he explained, the tax reduction of 6.39 cents per liter, including VAT, provides significant relief for households as winter approaches, as purchasing 1,000 liters of heating oil results in savings of approximately 63 euros. “Based on a survey we conducted, we found that the morning after the excise tax reduction took effect, 93% of retailers fully implemented this measure, while the remaining 7% applied it either partially or not at all,” he said, clarifying that at some gas stations the reduction was less than the projected 6.39 cents.
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According to Mr. Karagiorgis, the Agency proceeded to publish data on approximately 22 gas stations, out of the 290 that were examined, which had not fully passed on the tax relief to consumers. At the same time, he urged citizens to take advantage of their ability to choose a gas station, avoiding businesses they believe are taking advantage of them. “Consumers also have a responsibility. Those who try at times to take advantage of consumers should be met with a response by consumers refusing to buy products from them,” he emphasized.
When asked about the general trend in fuel prices and the possibility of imposing a price cap, the Director of the Consumer Protection Agency clarified that the market operates under a free-market system, while imposing a price cap requires specific findings by the regulatory authorities. “The determination that must be made in order to implement any price cap, that is, to set a price cap, is when we determine that all companies selling during a specific time period are selling outside the expected range,” he explained, adding that no such case has been identified during his tenure. He also maintained that competition is functioning in the fuel sector, pointing out the price differences between gas stations.
Referring to inspections, he noted that the Agency has technologically upgraded its price monitoring model and is in communication with the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), to which it forwards data as needed. He clarified, however, that the investigation the HCC has been conducting since 2024 was not initiated based on data from the Consumer Protection Agency. He also emphasized that there is a specialized team that systematically monitors the fuel market, recognizing the significant impact of fuel prices on the cost of living.
Finally, Mr. Karagiorgis noted signs that fuel prices have been declining over the past ten days. “Over the past ten days, the average price has fallen for both fuels—primarily diesel and gasoline—by about 2.5 cents per liter,” he said, expressing hope that the downward trend will continue in the coming period.
