Wirtschaft
Diesel supplies in Slovenia are running low as rising fuel prices and panic buying create shortages at gas stations, raising concerns ahead of the Easter travel period.
While Austria continues to have available, albeit expensive, fuel supplies amid the ongoing Iran conflict, Slovenia is facing a different situation. A price advantage of up to 40 cents per liter compared to Austria has fueled a surge in cross-border fuel tourism and stockpiling by residents, straining the delivery of fuel to stations.
Army to Support Supply
Peter Merkscha, Slovenia’s honorary consul in Styria, Austria, reported that purchases by local residents are exacerbating the problem. “Consumers are worsening the situation in that everyone – I wouldn’t say panic, but they are trying to fill every possible tank with diesel,” Merkscha explained.
Diesel was unavailable at some stations over the past weekend. In response, a law was enacted limiting private individuals to a maximum of 50 liters of diesel. The Slovenian army is now similarly assisting with fuel deliveries to stabilize the supply.
Plan for More Stops
Price regulations primarily affect smaller, more affordable gas stations, aiming to keep them competitively priced. Larger stations along highways are being prioritized for deliveries but are exempt from price controls and therefore more expensive.
The current regulated diesel price in Slovenia is approximately 1.70 euros, while gasoline is priced at 1.60 euros per liter. These prices can only be increased once per week, and the current rates are valid until midnight on Monday. Travelers should avoid arriving at smaller gas stations with nearly empty tanks. Honorary Consul Merkscha recommends “driving to gas stations with three-quarters or half a tank” and planning for more frequent stops to minimize the risk of running out of fuel.
