Fuel price measures on table as cabinet weighs margin caps and tax cuts

The Czech government is set to discuss measures to curb high fuel prices, including capping distributor margins and possibly reducing excise duty. Officials said margins were in some cases excessive, while the Finance Ministry had prepared several tax adjustment options. Prices have surged since early March due to tensions in the Middle East, with petrol averaging CZK 41.60 per litre and diesel CZK 48.33. Compared to late February, petrol is roughly CZK 8 higher and diesel about CZK 15. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš had held talks with major distributors, but no detailed outcomes were announced. Industry representatives warned that price regulation could disrupt the market and reduce service quality.