A lawsuit against Slovakia? The EU announces legal steps regarding fuel prices

The introduction of restrictions on the sale of diesel oil by the Slovak government, including higher prices for cars with foreign registrations, is contrary to European Union law, the European Commission said on Tuesday. The regulations apply from Monday.

– We acknowledge that the Slovak government adopted a measure imposing a 30-day restriction on refueling with diesel fuel in Slovakiaas well as introducing differentiated prices for domestic and foreign vehicles. This includes higher prices for vehicles with foreign license plates, EC spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said at a press conference.

– We consider this measure to be highly discriminatory and contrary to EU law. We understand the need to support citizens, but at this particular time these measures must not discriminate on the basis of nationality or undermine the integrity of our single market. We will take appropriate legal steps to ensure compliance with these regulations, the spokesman added.

In Slovakia, from Monday, diesel prices for foreign drivers are set based on the average of diesel prices from Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland, using EU data. There is also a refueling limit – you can fill the car's tank and a 10-liter canister.

These restrictions are valid for 30 days and do not apply to gasoline.

From Brussels Łukasz Osiński (PAP)

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