According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the agreement provides for a €3,000 voucher for fuel station owners to upgrade their input-output control systems. At the same time, the government has committed to ending the cap on profit margins for unleaded petrol and diesel on 30 June, as set out in the legislative act that introduced the measure.
After the meeting, Theodorikakos said:
‘In the midst of a global crisis due to the military confrontation in the wider Middle East region, we have taken certain extraordinary measures to address potential profiteering. These measures concern diesel and standard 95-octane petrol. I would like to note that, based on the checks carried out so far by the independent authority, violations of the profit margin cap are almost non-existent.
‘This shows a high degree of adaptation and responsible behaviour. That is very positive, because it is the prerequisite for facing this crisis together, effectively and in a constructive way. In the discussion we had, it became completely clear that the measure, which is certainly harsh for entrepreneurs in the sector, has an expiry date.
‘It is a temporary measure to address profiteering, as it exists, until 30 June. We will support the fuel station sector, which has undertaken the obligation to install the input-output systems.
‘I want to thank the Ministry of Finance, especially the ministers Mr Kotsiras and Mr Petralias and, of course, the finance minister, Mr Pierrakakis, for the decision to support every fuel station that installs these systems within the stipulated deadline with a €3,000 voucher. I also want to underline that I am certain the independent authority will implement the legislative act, which is currently being voted on by the Greek parliament, in a correct and fair manner, because what interests us is combating genuine profiteering. That is the central issue we are concerned with through this measure, and not anything else.’
Michalis Kiousis, president of the Federation of Petrol Dealers of Greece, said the profit margin cap had pushed most petrol retailers to the edge of survival, and in many cases beyond it. He added that if lower prices were the goal, taxes should be reduced, while noting that communication with federation members would follow regarding the outcome of the meeting. He stressed, however, that after the assurances given by the minister, there was no prospect of mobilisations.
Themis Kiourtzis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Fuel Station Owners and Traders, said: ‘I believe that some of the decisions that were made and the explanations that were given are important. The federations will convey this discussion to their members. And obviously the appropriate decisions will be made to de-escalate the tension.’
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