Slovenian farmers warn of record farm diesel prices, demand government aid

Farmers in Slovenia report that the price of agricultural diesel (kmečka nafta) has surged to a record €1.4 per litre, a 45 % increase over the previous half‑year and well above the €1.00 price in neighbouring Croatia. Jože Podgoršek, president of the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association, said the rise adds over €3,000 in annual costs for a typical farm and threatens the sector’s profitability.

The growers have called on the ministries of agriculture, infrastructure and finance for an emergency meeting, urging measures such as loan re‑programming, quicker drought assistance, stricter food‑origin labeling and tighter market oversight. They also note that beekeepers are feeling the impact of higher fuel costs. The European Union has earmarked €2.7 million for Slovenia to help alleviate the crisis, with funds expected to be available in the second half of the year.