One of the relevant regulations provides for a reduction of the mineral oil tax on gasoline and diesel by 5 cents per liter. The aim is to directly return the additional state revenues from VAT, which have arisen due to increased prices, to consumers. The budget neutrality of the fuel price brake is to be ensured until the end of the year. The second regulation aims to limit the crisis-related margins for Diesel B7 and Euro-Super E10 along the production chain. Companies subject to this regulation must reduce the net sales price by 5 cents from April 2, 2026, the ministry announced.

E-Control Monitors Compliance with the Fuel Price Brake

Further price increases should only move within the framework of relevant product listings. If the product listings decrease, this reduction must also be passed on accordingly. At the same time, it remains ensured that companies do not have to sell below their costs and without an adequate profit, it was further stated. Compliance with the regulations will be monitored by E-Control. Price and quantity data will be used for this purpose and compared with the relevant product listings.

"We will not be able to prevent fuel prices from continuing to rise internationally," said Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP). "But we can prevent inflation from running rampant." Lowering fuel prices by 10 cents per liter is expected to reduce inflation by about a quarter of a percentage point. "The temporary reduction of the mineral oil tax by 5 cents has a dampening effect on fuel prices and ensures that the additional VAT revenues due to the increased fuel prices benefit drivers again," said Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ). State Secretary Josef Schellhorn (NEOS), meanwhile, insisted on reducing dependencies: "We will only achieve permanent price stability through energy sovereignty and the rapid expansion of renewable energies in Europe."

Fuel Price Brake: Price Reduction Not Simultaneous at All Gas Stations

With the brake, the prices for gasoline and diesel are to decrease by 10 cents per liter, but not everywhere immediately. This is because small independent gas stations are still allowed to sell their stock without restrictions. Gas stations belonging to an oil company with refinery or storage connections, on the other hand, must immediately pass the reduction on to customers. Excluded from the fuel price brake are smaller gas station operators who operate no more than 30 gas stations. Highway gas stations are also excluded. According to the fuel price calculator of the regulatory authority E-Control, diesel cost an average of 2.248 euros per liter nationwide on Monday, while super was 1.914 euros/liter. Currently, prices may only be increased three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at noon.

(APA/Red)

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