Slovenian farmers seek dialogue over record diesel prices

Slovenian farmers are currently seeking dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture to address record-high agricultural diesel prices, which have exceeded 1.50 euros per liter. Jože Podgoršek, president of the Agricultural Forestry Chamber of Slovenia (KGZS), stated that farmers are not currently planning tractor protests in Ljubljana, noting that previous protests were driven by issues such as Mercosur and strategic planning rather than fuel costs.

Minister Janez Cigler Kralj has pledged that the ministry is exploring all available procedures to lower diesel prices, though he cautioned that changes will not happen overnight. Podgoršek expressed concern that the government's 8.1 million euro aid package for fuel and fertilizer costs is insufficient given the rising expenses. He also noted that Slovenian farmers face a competitive disadvantage, as agricultural diesel in Croatia is approximately 20 cents cheaper per liter. The situation is further complicated by drought and fodder shortages, which are expected to increase fuel consumption during autumn mowing and sowing operations.