Fuel distributors open to margin deal with PM Babiš (ANO Party)

Some fuel distributors in Czechia have signalled they are open to reaching an agreement with the government on retail margins ahead of talks with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The meeting is expected to focus on margins that the government considers excessive in some cases and is preparing to regulate. Distributors said they are willing to discuss possible adjustments, though they did not specify what a deal might look like and rejected accusations of exploiting the situation. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová has proposed capping margins and is also considering cuts to fuel excise duty. Fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks due to tensions in the Middle East, with petrol and diesel increasing significantly since late February.