EU Declares Slovakia Diesel Sales Restrictions Illegal

The European Commission has formally declared that the government of Slovakia is violating European Union law through its recent implementation of diesel sales restrictions and tiered pricing for foreign motorists. The measures, which were approved earlier this month, include a 30-day limit on diesel refueling and the introduction of higher fuel prices for vehicles with foreign license plates. A spokesperson for the Commission addressed the situation during a news conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that the policy undermines the principles of the EU single market.

We take note that the Slovak government has adopted a measure imposing, a 30 day restriction on diesel refuelling in Slovakia as well as introducing differentiated pricing for domestic and foreign vehicles.

The Commission expressed significant concern over the discriminatory nature of these regulations. While acknowledging the economic pressures facing member states, the spokesperson clarified that national measures must remain non-discriminatory and respect the integrity of the shared market.

We consider that this measure is highly discriminatory and against EU Law and while we understand the need to support citizens, and at this time in particular, measures must not discriminate between nationality, nor should they undermine the integrity of our single market, we will take the appropriate legal action to ensure compliance with this.

The Slovak government introduced these restrictions in response to a surge in global energy prices, including the cost of Brent Crude Oil, which has been impacted by the ongoing war in Iran. Furthermore, the country has faced supply disruptions as deliveries of crude from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline were halted due to damage sustained within Ukraine.

Under the new resolution, service stations in Slovakia are permitted to limit diesel sales to one full tank plus an additional 10 liters per customer. Additionally, exports are restricted, and diesel prices for foreign-registered vehicles are set based on the average prices observed in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland. These regulations are scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days and do not apply to gasoline sales.