EU approval for reduced fuel taxes

In order to carry out its plans to potentially reduce fuel taxes further, the Swedish government first had to ask permission from the EU, something the commission has now given the green light for.

To support Swedish households while the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz continues, the Tidö government is planning to further lower the fuel tax below the EU’s minimum level.

– This has gone record fast and now in this situation, as we plan ahead, this means we have another tool to use should it become necessary, said Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) to TT.

However, Svantesson could not provide any information today about the specific details and conditions.

Even though the EU Commission has approved the Swedish government’s plans, they have on several occasions pointed out that the measures must be targeted and temporary. Svantesson confirms that the reductions will only be temporary.

Before the reduction is fully approved, the Council of Ministers must also give its opinion, and only after that will any potential conditions be finalized.

Unclear if and when

In addition to today’s EU decision, there is a separate, already implemented reduction that came into force on May 1. That reduced petrol prices by one krona and diesel by 40 öre. The new reduction could cut the price per liter by up to 2.40 kronor for a maximum of five months.

The government has not yet decided if or when this larger cut will be implemented – Kristersson says the government is waiting to see how the market and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz develop.

Impossible according to the Social Democrats

In Sunday’s party leader debate, Jimmie Åkesson (SD) mentioned that he wanted the possibility of lowering fuel taxes even further to support households. That was something Magdalena Andersson (S) dismissed as completely impossible.

– I also believe the EU will never accept it; I don’t think it’s very effective to sit and dream about it, said the Social Democratic leader.