EU countries are restricting fuel sales due to shortages and the war in Iran — Reuters
The global fuel crisis, triggered by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, has forced the governments of some European countries to resort to drastic administrative measures.
Amid soaring prices and frenzied demand, Central European countries have begun officially limiting fuel sales at gas stations.
According to Reuters, the situation surrounding Iran has destabilized the energy market to such an extent that drivers can no longer freely fill their cars’ tanks.
These measures have hit Slovenia and Slovakia the hardest, where strict daily consumption limits have been introduced.
The strictest restrictions are currently in place in Slovenia, where a limit of 50 liters of fuel per day has been set for private car owners.
For businesses, this limit is slightly higher at 200 liters, which still does not meet the needs of commercial transport.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob is trying to reassure citizens, assuring them that the country has physical reserves of petroleum products.
However, he acknowledged that logistics chains cannot handle the load, which is why the military has already been called in to deliver fuel to gas stations.
In neighboring Slovakia, the government has taken a different regulatory approach by introducing a financial cap per refueling.
Now drivers can purchase fuel worth no more than 400 euros per vehicle, which is critical for long-haul truckers.
For large trucks, this limit covers less than 20% of a standard fuel tank’s capacity, effectively paralyzing the operations of logistics companies.
Carriers are forced to make frequent stops, which leads to missed delivery deadlines and higher rates.
One of the main reasons for introducing the restrictions was so-called “fuel tourism,” where residents of neighboring countries flock to refuel where prices are lower.
In addition, the local population has begun actively stockpiling fuel “for a rainy day,” emptying gas station tanks before noon.
Here’s a reminder of where fuel is cheapest in Ukraine: prices by region.
Also, prices for physical oil deliveries in Oman have skyrocketed to $154 per barrel.
