Fuel rises again, hauliers give up work: 'We are operating at a loss'

The government has announced new maximum retail prices for fuel effective from Tuesday, marking another increase for drivers across Croatia. According to unconfirmed reports shared by media outlets, the price of Eurosuper 95 will rise by seven cents per liter, reaching 1.63 euros. Eurodiesel will see a larger increase, climbing by 11 cents to 1.82 euros per liter. The blue diesel used primarily by farmers and fishermen will also rise by 11 cents, bringing its new price to 1.29 euros per liter. These changes come after the government adjusted its pricing model, shifting from a biweekly to a weekly update system. The decision was made during a telephone meeting held on Monday, where officials finalized the updated pricing regulations. The new rates apply for the next seven days and reflect adjustments based on the previous week’s average fossil fuel costs. The formula used to calculate these prices includes limited premiums, 0.1435 euros per liter for gasoline, 0.1045 euros per liter for diesel, and 0.0236 euros per liter for blue diesel, along with specific figures for propane-butane mixtures stored in large tanks and small containers. The new prices for liquefied petroleum gas (UNP) are set at 1.24 euros per kilogram for storage tanks and 1.81 euros per kilogram for small cylinders, representing increases of four and three cents respectively. Under the current regulatory framework, without government intervention, the prices would have been significantly higher. For example, unleaded gasoline could have reached 1.78 euros per liter, while diesel might have climbed to 2.01 euros per liter. Blue diesel, which is commonly used in agricultural and fishing sectors, would have cost 1.36 euros per liter under such conditions. Similarly, the price of UNP for large storage tanks could have reached 1.35 euros per kilogram, and for small cylinders, 2.05 euros per kilogram. These hypothetical figures highlight the extent of the government's efforts to moderate fuel costs for consumers. The adjustment in pricing frequency, from biweekly to weekly, was introduced to provide more frequent updates and better align with market fluctuations. This change aims to ensure that fuel prices remain competitive yet stable, balancing economic pressures with consumer affordability. The government maintains that this approach helps prevent excessive volatility and ensures transparency in how prices are determined. Drivers and businesses reliant on fuel are likely to feel the impact of these changes immediately. With the increased costs, transportation expenses for both private and commercial users may rise, potentially affecting daily commuting, freight logistics, and overall operational budgets. Farmers and fishermen, who depend heavily on blue diesel, may experience a notable financial strain due to the higher price point. Additionally, the rising cost of LPG for storage and transport could affect industries that rely on alternative fuels, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is less developed. While there are no immediate statements from industry representatives or consumer advocacy groups, the anticipated effect of these price hikes suggests a potential ripple through the economy. Analysts suggest that continued upward pressure on fuel prices could lead to broader inflationary trends, especially if energy costs remain elevated over time. However, the government has emphasized that the regulated pricing mechanism remains in place to safeguard against extreme price spikes. The new pricing structure will take effect on Tuesday and will be reviewed again in one week. Until then, drivers can expect to pay slightly higher amounts at the pumps, with the exact impact varying depending on their usage patterns and vehicle types. As the government continues to monitor fuel markets and adjust its policies accordingly, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these measures effectively balance economic stability with consumer needs.