The director of OMV, after the increase in fuel prices: “Who is not willing to pay, give up the car”
OMV CEO Alfred Stern rejected allegations that the company was profiting from the crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.
If there is a shortage of fuel, we must save
Since the start of the conflict in Iran, fuel prices have risen sharply in Austria. Diesel already costs over 1.90 euros per liter at some gas stations, writes Kronen Zeitung.
In previous crises, oil companies have been accused of inflating their profit margins. In an interview with Ö1's “Journal zu Gast”, Alfred Stern rejected accusations that OMV is taking advantage of the current crisis.
Asked if OMV does “extra money”he replied: “Prices are not set at the refinery.”
At a price of 1.70 euros per liter of premium gasoline, about 90 cents are taxes and excises. Of the remaining 80 cents, about 55 cents covers the actual cost of oil. Thus, OMV would be left with only 25 cents.
Alfred Stern said the state, not OMV, is benefiting from high oil prices because a large part of the cost of fuel is taxes. He explained that the price increases are caused by a global deficit generated by the war in Iran, which forces the company to buy oil at high prices on the international market.
“Whoever is not willing to pay the high prices we pay in Europe and Austria will have to give up the car”said the OMV director.
Stern said he could not guarantee fuel supplies for the rest of the year and warned that in a worst-case scenario Austria could run out of fuel, but stressed that OMV's priority was to maintain supplies to customers.
In the event of a fuel shortage, Stern said the solution is clear: “If there is a shortage of fuel, we must save. Let's drive less, drive slower – there is no other solution.”
Oil prices rose again after the US struck Iran's vital oil hub on Kharg Island and Donald Trump called on allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
