EU country becomes first to introduce war rationing | World | News
Slovenia became the first EU country to implement fuel rationing in the midst of the US-Iran war.
This comes at a time when US-Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliation are hitting the Gulf, where many of the most important players in the world energy markets are located.
This situation caused many countries to suffer from increasing fuel prices.
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This has led to “fuel tourism” in Slovenia; Drivers from neighboring countries, especially Austria, visited to take advantage of lower, regulated prices.
New restrictions imposed by Slovenia mean that private drivers in Slovenia will be limited to a maximum intake of 50 liters per day.
Businesses and farmers can purchase up to 200 liters per day.
Slovenia became the first EU member state to implement fuel rationing (Image: Getty)
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Read more: Iran war raises red diesel prices – ‘deeply worrying’ impact on farmers
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Gobb said over the weekend: “I can assure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia, the tanks are full and there will be no shortage of fuel.”
The government’s measures will be overseen by the petrol stations themselves, with staff tasked with ensuring customers do not exceed the maximum amount of fuel allowed.
Fuel retailers are also being encouraged to impose stricter restrictions on foreign drivers.
The new rules come after some fuel retailers have already introduced measures. Hungary’s MOL, which operates gas stations across the country, has introduced a daily limit of 30 liters.
In Austria, Euro-super 95 petrol reached 1.80 euros (£1.56) a litre, while diesel was close to 2 euros. In Slovenia it is much lower, with a maximum of €1.47 and €1.53 respectively.
However, these prices are expected to increase on Tuesday, March 24.
A truck driver in Sentilj, near Slovenia’s northern border with Austria, told local media he felt there was confusion about whether his country was “at war” because gas stations were running out of fuel.
Fuel prices continue to increase worldwide (Image: Getty)
The man said: “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
BBC He reports that this is a common feeling among the nation. Many Austrian drivers find the price difference is enough to justify a cross-border trip to refuel.
Austrian politician Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party, shares his refueling trips as political propaganda and posts a photo of vehicles with Austrian license plates waiting to fill up at a gas station in Slovenia.
“Isn’t it sad that we live in a country where it has become necessary for many people to go abroad to make life cheaper?” he shared.
Some Slovenians reportedly view the visitors as a nuisance, causing queues to increase and scarcity of locals.
However, some are more welcoming, noting that “fuel tourists” often make a day of their trip by spending money at local restaurants and shops.
