Ministry unsure about RAE’s fuel price ceiling proposal

The Ministry of Economy and Development appears to be unsure as to whether it should adopt a proposal forwarded by RAE, Greece’s Regulatory Authority for Energy, calling for the imposition of price ceilings on unleaded fuel in 17 regions around Greece where it has been found that at least 70 percent of petrol stations are selling the fuel at excessive price levels.

According to an official at the ministry’s General Secretariat of Trade and Consumer Protection, RAE’s price-ceiling proposal is currently being examined but the implementation of measures remains uncertain. Decisions are expected within the next ten days, ministry officials informed.

Meanwhile, fuel traders and retailers are pushing for a meeting with government officials to discuss market problems caused by a value added tax hike on fuel on the islands as well as the end of fuel subsidies in certain parts of Greece.

Ministry officials are believed to be considering reinstating fuel transportation subsidies, with conditions attached, rather than imposing price ceilings. The return of transportation subsidies could offer longer-term benefits, the officials believe.