PM Babiš to meet fuel distributors again as government eyes margin caps

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO Party) is set to hold further talks with major fuel distributors over rising margins, as the government prepares possible regulation. Officials argue that in some cases retail margins are excessive and should be reduced. The meeting follows earlier talks this week with companies including MOL, OMV, Shell, EuroOil and Orlen. Babiš said the government believes fair margins should be around CZK 3.50 per litre for diesel and CZK 2.50 for petrol, adding that current margins are sometimes nearly three times higher. Distributors have rejected claims they are exploiting tensions in the Middle East.

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová said the government is preparing measures to cap margins and is also considering cuts to fuel excise duty. Fuel prices have surged in recent weeks, with petrol and diesel rising sharply since late February.