Slovakia’s government has approved a resolution permitting service stations to charge higher diesel prices for vehicles with foreign registration plates, in a bid to curb “fuel tourism” amidst a global surge in energy costs attributed to the conflict in Iran.
The move follows concerns raised by refiner Slovnaft earlier this week, which reported a significant increase in purchases in northern districts bordering Poland, where diesel prices were notably lower on the Slovak side.
Prime Minister Robert Fico, who put forward the measure on Tuesday, stated that drivers were filling both their tanks and additional containers, leading to fuel shortages at some stations.
Mr Fico said the government wanted prices comparable to most neighbouring countries like Poland, and cheaper than in Austria.
Under the new resolution, which does not specify an upper price limit, fuel pumps will also be authorised to restrict diesel sales to a full tank plus an additional 10 litres for foreign-registered cars.
The decision comes as Hungary capped fuel prices this month, and Poland’s main refiner Orlen has reduced its margins to mitigate the impact on consumers.
In the UK, diesel prices have soared by an average of just under 19p per litre since the start of the Middle East conflict, new figures suggest.
The 14 per cent increase means diesel is at its most expensive level since November 2023.
Petrol prices are up 7 per cent over the same period, rising from 132.8p per litre to 141.7p per litre.
The last time petrol was more expensive was August 2024.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers with diesel cars are really feeling the heat.
“Prices have shot up 18p a litre in just two weeks, adding £10 to the cost of a full tank.
“The average cost of filling up a 55-litre family car with diesel is now £88, whereas for petrol it’s £78.
“The UK has fewer refineries than ever and those we do have are more geared towards petrol production than diesel, so we’re reliant on imports which has contributed to diesel prices rising faster.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves told petrol retailers last week they had a “shared obligation” to keep prices down for motorists.
The RAC said drivers with diesel cars were ‘really feeling the heat’ (Lynne Cameron/PA)