Diesel Hits Record High in Slovenia, Prices Surge

Drivers in Slovenia are bracing for another financial blow as regulated fuel prices are set to rise again at midnight. Gasoline will increase by 2.6 cents to 1.608 euros per liter, while diesel will jump by 4.6 cents to a record 1.903 euros per liter. These new prices will remain in effect until August 31.

The price of diesel in Slovenia will cross the 1.90 euro per liter threshold for the first time. Previously, the highest price for diesel was 1.894 euros per liter, recorded between April 8 and April 13. Heating oil will also become more expensive, reaching 1.517 euros per liter, its highest price since April when it cost 1.484 euros per liter.

The Slovenian government has not altered excise duties, which are already at the lowest permissible level for diesel fuel. Excise duty on a liter of 95-octane gasoline is 0.41759 euros, on diesel it is 0.33000 euros, and on heating oil it is 0.07875 euros. Between July 28 and September 28, 95-octane gasoline, diesel, and heating oil were temporarily exempt from environmental fees for carbon dioxide emissions and contributions for increasing energy efficiency.

Without price regulation and these exemptions, a liter of gasoline in Slovenia would cost approximately 1.807 euros, diesel around 2.118 euros, and heating oil about 1.733 euros, according to calculations by the Slovenian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. Prices continue to be calculated using a methodology that considers the fluctuations of oil derivative prices on the global market and the exchange rates of the US dollar and the euro. Model prices are derived from seven-day averages of mineral oil derivative prices. However, retailers are free to set fuel prices on highways and expressways.

Meanwhile, Croatia is also facing fuel price hikes starting tomorrow. A liter of gasoline will cost 1.66 euros, three cents more than before, while diesel will increase by six cents to 1.86 euros per liter. These new prices will be valid for the next seven days. Without government measures and with free market pricing, gasoline would cost 1.81 euros per liter, diesel 2.07 euros, and blue diesel 1.41 euros. At stations outside highways in Croatia, fuel must be available at regulated prices. However, the state does not specify how many pumps must offer this fuel, allowing some stations to have significantly more pumps selling fuel at higher, market-driven prices.