Finnish businesses demand relief from rising fuel and logistics costs

Finnish business organizations are calling for urgent government intervention to combat rising fuel and logistics costs that are threatening national competitiveness. A survey by the Central Chamber of Commerce reveals that approximately 30 percent of companies report that increased logistics costs have significantly weakened their competitiveness, with the manufacturing and trade sectors being the most affected.

Rising diesel and heating oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf and energy market volatility, are placing severe pressure on transport and machinery companies. Nearly 70 percent of surveyed businesses noted that rising logistics costs have had some negative impact on their competitiveness. Sea freight costs have also seen significant increases due to regional instability.

Suomen Yrittäjät is urging the government to accelerate the introduction of professional diesel, increase tax refund levels, and extend support to smaller transport fleets and machinery companies. The organization warns that the financial distress of machinery companies—which are essential for critical services like winter road maintenance and raw material supply for the energy and forestry sectors—could jeopardize vital societal functions.