Greek officials urge EU to reduce fuel excise duties

Greek political figures and members of the European Parliament are calling for an urgent reduction in excise duties on fuel across Europe and Greece to combat the rising cost of living. MEP Giorgos Avtias has formally requested the European Commission to consider lowering these taxes without impacting national budgets, citing the global energy crisis and instability in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz as primary drivers of inflation.

Within Greece, New Democracy lawmakers Stelios Petsas and Pavlos Marinakis have addressed the issue. Petsas supports reducing excise duties within EU regulatory limits to bring energy costs closer to previous seasonal averages. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis noted that any such reduction requires authorization from the European Union to ensure it does not count against spending ceilings. He also indicated that announcements regarding support for transport fuels are expected by September 30, with heating oil updates following on October 14.