The start of the heating season and the shutdown of the Schwechat refinery have increased the pressure on diesel prices in Austria. The introduction of the CO2 tax on 1 October therefore comes at the worst possible time: diesel will be about ten cents more expensive. The cabinet has rejected a further postponement of the tax increase. That is why a rush to the gas stations is expected in the coming days.
Diesel drivers currently have nothing to laugh about. Where premium petrol has become more than 30 cents cheaper since the beginning of August, diesel has remained about the same, on Monday a liter at the pump cost an average of 1.89 euros.
But from Saturday 1 October, the new CO2 tax (30 euros per ton) will make fuels about ten cents per liter more expensive. Of course, this also applies to heating oil, which is a comparable product to diesel in terms of production. That’s why gas station operators are preparing for a particularly strong rush this week.
Dealer and consumer scams
Because the Schwechat refinery has been virtually shut down for four months and many want to store their fuel oil for the winter, diesel shortages have occurred repeatedly in recent times. That is why the government has released 60,000 tons from the so-called emergency reserve, which will be delivered this week to prevent shortages. But the traders pay 200 euros per ton for it, 30 euros more than last time. “It’s a rip-off for retailers and consumers,” says Bernd Zierhut (Doppler Group, “Turmöl”), when the supply situation is critical.
Jürgen Roth, spokesman for the mineral oil industry, does not see it that way. “The sale of the emergency reserve must not generate a profit. If something remains, the next purchase is cheaper.” The company (ELG), which buys and stores the reserve on behalf of the republic, is jointly owned by the large companies (OMV, Shell, Eni & Co.). However, the price at which they now market the diesel is determined by an independent expert. There would be no Körberlgeld because ELG is not allowed to make benefits.
Call for steering brake
Roth would, however, be a strong proponent of postponing the introduction of the carbon tax again until the market has calmed down. “It makes no sense to raise prices first and then pay the companies aid,” he shakes his head.
The OMV refinery will be fully operational again in October and there may be a slight easing in the market. The Öamtc is calling for a reduction in the tax on mineral oil to offset CO2 costs.
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.
