Greek fuel retailers oppose proposed profit margin caps

Greek fuel retailers are expressing strong opposition to potential government measures that could impose a cap on their profit margins. Retailers argue that such a cap would make their businesses unsustainable and lead to widespread closures. They suggest that if any profit caps are implemented, they should be applied to refineries rather than gas stations.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has discussed the possibility of reinstating a cap on profit margins as part of a national intervention to reduce the cost of heating oil, though he has not yet specified the exact scope or target of these measures.

In response to the government's plans, former head of the Panhellenic Federation of Fuel Station Owners and Traders, Giorgos Asmatoglou, supported the proposed heating oil subsidy, noting that capping the price at 1.75 euros per liter would be a significant relief. However, he cautioned that for consumers to see real benefits, there must be no further price increases.

Meanwhile, Nikos Tsemperlidis, president of the Consumer Protection Center (KEPKA), emphasized that meaningful price reductions require transparency throughout the entire fuel supply chain rather than relying solely on subsidies.