Drivers Could Pay More Under Controversial Fuel Pricing Rule
A new government plan to limit fuel price increases to three times a week has sparked criticism from industry leaders, who warn that the policy could ultimately hurt consumers instead of protecting them.
The measure will take effect on Monday and will allow gas stations across Austria to increase fuel prices only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Until now, stations could adjust prices daily according to market conditions. The ruling coalition, consisting of ÖVP (Austrian People's Party), SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria), and Neos (The New Austria and Liberal Forum), chose not to introduce a direct cap on fuel prices or reduce fuel taxes.
The policy has been strongly criticized by the head of the Turmöl gas station chain. According to the managing director of Orlen Austria, which operates around 260 Turmöl stations from its headquarters in Wels, Oberösterreich (Upper Austria), the regulation could backfire. He believes the restriction will make price-setting unpredictable and may push operators to increase prices more aggressively.
Industry representatives argue that companies will still follow global oil market movements. However, if they are unable to raise prices every day, they may raise them more sharply on the limited days allowed. Gas station operators fear that oil prices could climb during the days when adjustments are not permitted, forcing them to raise prices earlier and higher to avoid losses.
Meanwhile, drivers across Austria are already facing rapidly rising fuel costs. By Wednesday afternoon, the average price of diesel had reached €1.927 per liter nationwide, marking a sharp increase of about one-third within a single month. With crude oil prices rising again in international markets, analysts warn that fuel prices may continue climbing in the coming weeks.