Filenews 3 June 2022 - by Eleftheria Paizanos
Water was put in its wine by the government who yesterday accepted the parties' request to extend until the end of September the reduced excise duties on motor fuel and heating oil. But after the new increases that apply as of today, very few consumers will appreciate the decision.
The original bill provided for an extension from June 2 to August 31 of the reduction of the excise duty on unleaded 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel by 8.4 cents and by 5.2 cents per litre on heating oil (excise duty plus VAT). However, after pressure from the parties, in the context of the discussion of the bill in the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, the competent ministry agreed to extend the tax reliefs until the end of September.
The bill, as expected, was unanimously approved by all parties. However, the government's retreat is not accidental, as it may be linked to the discussion of the opposition's four proposals for a horizontal support for consumers, households and businesses through tax cuts. The continuation of the debate will take place next Monday in the Parliamentary Committee on Finance. Proposals with which the government disagrees but perhaps yesterday's acceptance of the party proposal to extend the measure will be used to sugar the pill with the opposition. From the extension regarding the reduction of excise duties on fuel, the state will have a loss of revenue of approximately €5.5 million. per month.
