Norway's Progress Party leader urges Conservatives to reverse fuel tax cuts

Sylvi Listhaug, leader of Norway's Progress Party, has strongly urged the Conservative Party to reverse its stance on fuel tax cuts, warning that the Conservatives will "bear the full responsibility" if they fail to do so.

As fuel taxes are set to increase again on September 1, Listhaug anticipates many drivers will be surprised by the higher prices at the pump. She hopes pressure from local Conservative branches will persuade the party leadership to continue the existing tax reductions. Listhaug emphasized that the Progress Party will clearly voice its opposition to the tax hikes, rejecting the idea of a "diesel roar" but insisting on a firm stance.

Listhaug, accompanied by party officials, highlighted the current pump prices, which exceed 20 kroner per liter. She pointed out that without the Conservatives' support, there is no majority in Parliament to maintain the cuts implemented earlier in the spring. She believes that without these cuts, prices will return to levels similar to March, after accounting for the reinstated taxes and VAT.

Progress Party deputy leader Hans Andreas Limi added that the increased costs could severely impact some businesses, potentially leading to bankruptcies or forcing them to pass the expenses onto consumers. He argued that Norway, as a major European oil producer, should not impose the highest fuel taxes, especially given the state's substantial revenue from oil and gas. Listhaug clarified that maintaining the cuts is not a subsidy but rather a decision not to collect certain taxes.