Gas stations want the central government to clarify whether it will continue to apply the reduction in fuel prices from 31 December. The Mediterranean Gas Station Entrepreneurs Federation (Fedmes), which has re-elected Emilio Córcoles as provincial president, demands that the decision be adopted immediately so that the chaos caused by the start-up’s passing measure is not repeated. April. But the industry thinks: A tax cut would be more appropriate than the current 20-cent rebate.
Fedmes has appointed José Luis Tort of Valencia as the new president of this body, which includes the Community’s provincial associations as a whole. However, the renovation will not reach Alicante, as Córcoles will remain head of the industry. Juan José Sánchez will be responsible for the Castellón employers’ association.
During the inauguration ceremony, Tort summoned the central Manager to agree on possible changes to the fuel bonus. In his words, “The implementation of the measure was a real chaos, because they did not consult how to implement it, and we barely had 40 hours to implement all the changes. In fact, It was the first time in their history that gas stations had to close.“.
Fedmes has argued from the beginning that tax cuts would be the best option, mimicking what has been done in other energies, such as electricity and gas, where VAT is reduced by 5%. They emphasize that tax revenues skyrocketed from existence with such high prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the Community of Valencia, without going any further, The liter price of gasoline corresponds to 80 cents tax..
Therefore, Tort adds, “we think there is room to reduce taxes. But in any case, the Government should agree with the industry on possible changes to the bonus and do so as soon as possible without waiting for the last days of the year when the current extension expires. This uncertainty is not good for anyone, nor does it make sense.“.
Fedmes recalls that in recent weeks several ministers have overlooked the option to stop the generalization of the bonus. “Gas station employees cannot be bankers or tax inspectors knowing who corresponds or not applying the bonus. The criteria should be clear, easy to implement, and well-approved. The industry has always been eager for dialogue”, concludes Tort.