The EU Council has adopted an implementing decision allowing Slovenia to lower excise duties on motor fuels below the minimum levels set at Union level. The approval is valid for six months, counted from the day Slovenia receives notification of the decision.
How far excise duties can fall
- Petrol (95-octane): the excise duty is 0.41759 EUR/l. The decision allows it to be lowered below the EU minimum by up to 0.2195 EUR/l, that is, to at least 0.1395 EUR/l.
- Diesel: the excise duty is 0.330 EUR/l, which is already the EU minimum. It can be reduced by up to 0.225 EUR/l, to at least 0.105 EUR/l.
What the ministers said
Minister Šircelj said excise duties would be adjusted primarily because of rising prices of petroleum products on the markets. Minister Vrtovec stressed that fuel prices in Slovenia must remain comparable with those in Italy and Austria, and that lower excise duties could benefit foreigners considerably. For that reason, he did not promise an immediate cut.
Slovenia sent the request at the end of July, amended it in August and then again in September.
What it means for drivers
The decision does not by itself change prices at petrol stations; it gives the state room to manoeuvre. Whether excise duties will be cut, and by how much, will depend on a decision by the Slovenian government. As a reminder, the government sets the maximum retail prices of petrol 95 and diesel every week. The decision is made on Monday, and the new prices apply from Tuesday at 00:00.
You can follow fuel prices in the neighbouring country on our page fuel prices in Slovenia.
