Czech Senate to debate fuel price regulation bill

The Senate is set to debate a government-proposed bill which would enable regulating fuel prices through government decrees. The proposed legislation is intended to replace the current system of price directives issued by the Finance Ministry on a daily basis in connection with the Middle East crisis.

The draft legislation is unlikely to pass, as Senate committees have recommended its rejection, though amendments remain possible. In either case, the Chamber of Deputies will have to take a fresh vote on the bill, likely on Friday. The ruling coalition has a majority in the lower chamber and is in a position to override the Senate's reservations.