Slovak coalition to discuss fuel excise tax reduction

The Slovak coalition council is scheduled to meet on Monday, September 14, to discuss a proposal to reduce the excise tax on fuel. SNS leader Andrej Danko stated that the primary objective is to lower fuel prices to a level that encourages citizens to refuel within Slovakia rather than traveling to neighboring countries.

This move is particularly relevant for border regions such as Skalica, Senica, Dunajská Streda, and Galanta, where residents frequently seek cheaper fuel abroad. Proponents suggest that lower prices could support local businesses and the regional economy by retaining consumer spending.

However, the Ministry of Finance has criticized the proposal and opposing political claims. The Ministry argued that fuel prices in Slovakia are already comparable to or lower than those in neighboring Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. It further characterized calls for tax reductions as populist, asserting that such measures have not historically compensated for budget shortfalls through increased consumption.