Babiš says fuel price relief may require capping traders’ margins

The only step that could currently help lower fuel prices is capping the margins of fuel retailers, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on Sunday. The government is set to discuss the issue on Monday, with representatives of the five main fuel companies in the Czech market expected to attend the meeting.

Babiš said in a video posted on the social network X that price caps on fuel or cuts to excise duty had not worked abroad. Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have risen sharply since the end of February, when the conflict in Iran began.

The Finance Ministry said the government will discuss possible regulation of retailers’ margins or other steps aimed at petrol stations. According to the ministry, inspections so far have shown that retailers’ margins have actually declined since the conflict began.