We're facing fuel restrictions and service shutdowns?

Petrol has warned that it may have to impose restrictions on fuel dispensing and close some service stations due to ongoing regulatory pressures. In the first half of 2026, the company recorded a 24 percent decline in its clean profit, which dropped to €57.3 million, despite a 12 percent increase in revenue to €3.3 billion. The company attributes this drop to an unsuitable regulatory framework and has once again called for deregulation of fuel prices. It has also hinted at potential measures such as limiting fuel dispensing or closing unprofitable locations if changes are not made. The situation has escalated further with Petrol reporting losses of €27.5 million in March alone due to price regulations and market conditions. This led the company to file two compensation claims against the government. According to internal reports, the company’s management has expressed concerns over the unsustainable business environment caused by the current pricing controls. They suggest that these constraints could lead to operational limitations, including restricted fuel dispensing or closure of certain service points. Earlier this year, Slovenia experienced a severe shortage of fuel, leading to long queues at petrol stations. The crisis was particularly pronounced at Petrol stations, although the company maintained that it was working diligently to ensure reliable supply. At that time, the government under Prime Minister Robert Golob blamed Petrol for the shortages, but the company denied any wrongdoing. Instead, they emphasized their efforts to stabilize fuel supply through a crisis coordination group, prioritizing customer needs. In addition to the financial impact, Petrol highlighted the challenges posed by the regulated pricing system. The company noted that Slovenia, along with Croatia, is the only country in the EU with controlled fuel prices, resulting in lower average margins compared to other European nations. They pointed out that the current margin of around 24 cents per liter is significantly below the EU average, making it difficult for traders to adjust prices according to volatile global markets. The company also criticized the lack of transparency in determining trade margins and argued that the regulation does not cover all costs associated with maintaining fuel supply. Furthermore, they stated that the current framework limits investment in infrastructure and logistics necessary for ensuring consistent supply. Petrol stressed that the only viable solution would be the liberalization of fuel prices, allowing them to respond effectively to fluctuating international oil prices. Petrol's CEO, Saša Berger, reiterated the need for regulatory reform, emphasizing that the current system hampers the ability to manage supply efficiently during periods of high volatility. He mentioned that additional cost-saving measures were implemented, but these were insufficient to offset the negative impacts of the regulatory environment. The company is preparing for possible scenarios involving restricted fuel dispensing or station closures should the regulatory status quo remain unchanged. The National Council under Vesna Južnica has also acknowledged the necessity of removing fuel price controls, noting that the company cannot sell fuel below purchase prices. A draft protocol outlining measures for managing unprofitable operations has been discussed, potentially including fuel dispensing restrictions or station closures. Petrol continues its legal actions against the state, having filed two compensation claims totaling €106.9 million for damages incurred during the 2022–June period of price regulation.