Multiple reports indicate Slovenia is the first EU country to introduce fuel rationing amid the US-Iran war, which has seen US-Israel strikes and retaliations from Iran hit the Gulf, a key region for world energy markets. This has caused many countries to become victim to increasing fuel prices, according to major media. The situation has led to 'fuel tourism' in Slovenia, with drivers from neighboring countries, Austria in particular, visiting to benefit from lower, regulated prices.
53 respectively. The BBC reports that this is a common feeling in the nation, with many Austrian drivers justifying cross-border trips due to the price difference, and Austrian politician Herbert Kickl, leader of the far right Freedom Party, has been sharing his refuelling trips as political propaganda, posting a photo of a queue of Austrian-plated vehicles at a Slovenian station. Under the new restrictions, private motorists in Slovenia will be restricted to a maximum purchase of 50 litres per day, while businesses and farmers can purchase up to 200 litres per day.
Let me reassure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia, the warehouses are full and there will be no fuel shortages.
The government's measures are set to be policed by petrol stations themselves, with employees tasked with ensuring customers do not exceed the maximum amount allowed, and major media reports that fuel retailers are also being encouraged to implement stricter limits for foreign drivers. Some fuel retailers have already put measures in place; Hungary's MOL, which operates petrol stations across the country, has introduced a daily 30 litre limit. ' However, public confusion persists, as a lorry driver at Sentilj, close to Slovenia's northern border with Austria, told local media it feels as if there is confusion as to whether his country is 'at war' with petrol stations running out of fuel.
Some Slovenians view the visitors as a nuisance, causing queues and shortages for locals, while others are more welcoming, noting that a good proportion of 'fuel tourists' make a day of it, eating in local restaurants and spending time in the shops, according to major media.
I've never experienced anything like this before.