Croatian farmers warn of crisis as diesel prices surge and new tax hike looms

Members of the Croatian Farmers' Chamber (HPK) have condemned a proposed increase in the flat tax for craftspeople and farmers, arguing that the measure could trigger a collapse of the sector. They highlighted that inflation has already eroded subsidies by more than a third, while input costs have spiked – mineral fertilizers are up 30‑46% and blue diesel, used in tractors, has risen about 20%. Prices for key products such as wheat and pork remain at historic lows, squeezing farmers’ margins.

In a separate county assembly hearing, representatives raised the steep rise in blue diesel prices – a 30% increase that limits fuel dispensing to a few locations and forces average farmers to purchase up to 4,000 litres a year at higher cost. County officials pledged to forward the issue to the relevant ministry and seek corrective action. Both groups called for government protection of small producers and warned that without relief, rural production could dwindle further.