The sharp increase in fuel prices cannot be attributed solely to the development of the price of crude oil. According to a study by the Federal Competition Authority, the profit margins of the refineries have risen sharply in the months after the start of the Ukraine war at the end of February.
Crude oil in particular was 22 cents per liter more expensive in mid-June than before the war in Ukraine. However, we paid 36 cents more for diesel and 41 cents more for petrol. Converted to a 50-litre tank, this means: 13.20 euros of the additional costs could be explained by the oil price, but the higher refinery margins accounted for another 11.40 euros for diesel and even 12.60 euros for petrol.
However, the audit of five major companies (OMV, BP, Jet, ENI, Shell) and fuel dealers revealed no indication of anti-competitive practices. Because there is no lack of competition between the gas stations. The AK nevertheless demands that Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher introduce a price ceiling.
Fuel taxes should “finally be lowered or abolished completely, the CO2 tax should be abolished and a price cap imposed”, renewed FPÖ faction chairman Herbert Kickl Tuesday afternoon “the free demand for a limit on fuel prices that has been raised for months. increased.” Other states, such as Germany, Hungary or Slovenia, have already taken emergency measures, while black and green continue to scam people at the pump.
WiFi expert warns of bottlenecks with price ceilings
Expert Michael Böheim of the Austrian Institute for Economic Research (WIFO) speaks out against a cap. In Hungary, for example, there were delivery problems due to the price cap. Moreover, this sends the wrong signal in the field of climate policy. Greenpeace, on the other hand, is again arguing for a crisis profit tax. “The federal government must now skim off these gigantic profits from the crisis,” says climate and transport expert Klara Maria Schenk.
Incidentally, the British competition authority CMA came to similar conclusions as the Austrian competition authorities in its investigation. As international quotations go beyond the national level, the BWB will work with the European Commission to address the issue of international quotations.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
