If the customary thing in the last days of last week was to find queues suppliersThe picture presented by Alicante service stations this Monday was very different. This End of 20 cents bonus for fuel reduced customer flow by up to 70% After those who came to the gas stations on this first working day of the year, the majority did not fill the tank without taking precautions after finding the opportunity.
This was expressed by the president of the Provincial Service Stations Association, Emilio Corcoles, yes, drivers are confident that they will be returning to these facilities in the coming days as their refueling a few days ago is over. “This was expected. Thinking that the discount was withdrawn too soon, Córcoles says that what was oversold last week will now be sold under. should have been extended for at least three more months More to moderate the rise in the CPI,” says the businessman.
And beyond what’s happening today, gas stations fear the medium-term ramifications of this and that fuel consumption could drop if prices rise again.
Currently, in the last week, both diesel and gasoline have become about three cents more expensive on average, not taking into account the effect of the discount, but the truth is they’re still below registered levels. When the measure was approved, it took effect on April 1 last year. Thus, in particular, gasoline is paid at an average of 1,597 euros per liter in 95 Alicante, compared to 1.81 eight months ago, while diesel A is traded at an average of 1,666 euros at the pumps in the province, compared to 1.86 in April.
Regardless, there are very few jobs at gas stations this Monday for now. “We will have 50 to 60 percent fewer customers than ever before,” said Alejandro Pujante, one of the employees of the gas station located on Avenida de Jijona in Alicante.
uninformed customers.
Among the small number of customers who arrived this afternoon were some quite professional and also uninformed ones who continued to enjoy the 20 cents discount even though it wasn’t directly applied at the checkout as before. “I didn’t know it was going to end,” admitted José Buyo, but notes that in his case, he “cares less” about it as he travels on a motorcycle that uses much less fuel than a car.
For its part, although the Government has ended the official 20-cent discount, many gas stations continue to apply their own approved discounts, usually around 10 cents, with this measure.