High prices slow the recovery of gasoline consumption in the province

In total, they were sold in the province between January and March. 215,988 tons of fuela number representing 1.2% decline In the same period of 2021, 213,272 tons were reached. Likewise, compared to the first quarter of 2019, 10.3% less more than 241,000 tons have been distributed since then.

Of course, the situation is very different according to the type of fuel, because the greatest distance is recorded in the vicinity with pre-covid levels. diesel oil -still 13% lower than normal- gasoline they are only 2.2% lower. A difference explained by, on the one hand, the fact that the fuel used in professional transport is diesel – in fact, it accounts for three-quarters of all consumption – and, on the other hand, a larger percentage of diesel engines. gasoline is among the new records due to its lower pollutant emissions.

The implications of these numbers should also be taken into account. carriers’ strike Although sales levels throughout March were lower than in 2019 in all months of the period.

On behalf of the president of the Valencian Consumers and Users Association (Avacu), Fernando Moner, The main reason for this slowdown in the recovery in fuel consumption is undoubtedly the rise in prices. Reminding that diesel started at just over one euro last year, Móner says, “It’s not that people don’t want to get in the car, it’s a rapidly increasing expense and it’s normal for drivers to think twice.” per liter—the January average was 1,095—more than the 1.90 average paid in the state this Wednesday. “For many it is an irresistible increase“, the consumer representative insists.

Discount

While the core data does not yet include the impact of the 20 cents per liter bonus implemented by the Government to reduce these increases, according to the Mediterranean Service Stations Federation, after the increase in sales in the early days – because many drivers delayed refueling to take advantage of the discount – sales they are currently below pre-Covid levels.

On the development of prices, official data transmitted by the gas stations themselves to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, after the first two weeks of decline, are currently average amount both diesel and petrol before the discount applies It exceeds what was already recorded when the government announced the measure. So, the raises have already eaten up some of the bonus.

Thus, in case diesel one -the most consumed- this Wednesday, an average of 1,908 kuruş was paid, 3.4 cents more When Pedro Sánchez announced his decision on 28 March; while gasoline 95 quoted in the state as a whole in 1899, which represents an increase 5.7 cents since that time. Thus, the real savings would already be less than 15 cents.

Compared to previous price Russian invasion of Ukraine -the measure was intended to mitigate the effects of the war on the fuel market-, diesel was already 39 cents more expensive than then (25.6% more) and gasoline 95 was almost 27 cents more expensive (16.2% plus).

In this regard, Avacu chairman applauds the decision of the National Markets and Competition Commission to investigate whether operators are enjoying the effects of the bonus. raise your marginsAlthough she disagreed with Vice President Nadia Calviño’s threat not to extend the measure, considering it was ineffective.

For their part, they insist that gas stations’ autonomous employers have their pumps reflect market fuel prices. international markets and they were the main victims of high prices, as they slowed their sales and thus their revenue per liter. In this sense, they insist that the increase in diesel was mainly a result of the war as it increased the costs of refining this fuel.