Fuel Discount Continues for Professionals: Implications for Transport, Agriculture, and Fisheries in North America Context

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The government’s choice to keep the 20 cents fuel discount limited to professionals will shape consumption patterns. Industry watchers from the service station sector warn this measure could curb refueling by roughly 10 percent. Carriers see the continuation of the discount as a positive breath of relief, while other beneficiaries such as agriculture and fisheries argue the measure is still insufficient.

The Pedro Sánchez administration announced on Tuesday that fuel aid will persist, but only for the transport and primary sectors. In short, the general 20-cent-per-liter bonus introduced on April 1 will expire this Saturday and will not be renewed for most drivers.

Aligned with a downward drift in fuel prices in recent months, authorities say the move is warranted. Gasoline grade 95 stands at about 1.578 euros per liter, while diesel sits around 1.654 euros. These prices are lower than those recorded on April 1, when the bonus policy took effect. At that moment, gasoline and diesel were priced around 1.812 euros per liter.

Yet the disappearance of the discount could ripple through the gas station sector. Emilio Córcoles, provincial head of the Federation of Mediterranean Service Station Entrepreneurs (Fedmes), warns that consumption may fall by about 10 percent. He explains that once the discount ends, fuel prices are likely to edge higher again in the coming weeks because some refineries were shut down during the pandemic, reducing production capacity. He notes that households currently proceed with caution, often cutting back travel or turning to public transport when feasible.

People have limited money, and the situation remains very challenging, so many reduce trips or swap vehicles for shared or public options.

payment

Experts argue that professionals will not be required to manage discounts directly, since the bonus will be routed through a mechanism that aligns with monthly payments to those known as professionals in diesel operations. In this process, gas stations faced initial costs, including around 3,000 euros to update their computer systems, and they have yet to receive compensation for those investments.

The decline in consumption seen by gas stations could influence tourism. Nuria Montes, general secretary of the Hosbec employers’ association, doubts that the withdrawal of the bonus would deter visitors to the region, but admits the development is not ideal. She observes that road travel remains cheaper than air travel, so higher fuel prices may not pose a severe barrier, though tourist spending at destinations could shrink somewhat.

Road transport groups welcomed the continuation of the bonus as a sensible step to soften the impact of fuel prices on the industry. Francisco Ortiz, general secretary of the Alicante Transport Federation, describes the aid as well-timed and notes that prices are likely to rise after the holiday season, making the continuation particularly valuable for the sector.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector voices a different view. José Vicente Andreu, president of the Alicante Young Farmers Association, argues that extending the bonus is helpful but insufficient if costs remain far higher than a year ago, undermining overall efficiency.

Andreu supports measures in tough times but adds that the economy cannot rely on subsidies alone. He stresses the need for a longer-term productive economy and stronger support for primary industries, including farming and farming-related transport.

The fishing and aquaculture sectors echo similar concerns. Juan Mulet, secretary of the provincial federation, appreciates that the bonus remains in place but worries about the new delivery system. He notes that payment delays could complicate financing and that some fishermen might stop pursuing reimbursements altogether.

He also points out that the VAT discount on basic groceries does not reach the fish sector, a situation that could affect consumption. Together with new EU fishing days now in effect, trawlers face tighter margins and tighter schedules, squeezing operations across the board.

Fuel prices hit their lowest since February mid-weekend

A media update shows the broader impact across industries tied to fuel. The fishing community highlights similar patterns: with continued but uncertain access to the bonus, pricing, delays, and bureaucratic hurdles shape how and when compensation arrives. This uncertainty comes at a time when EU rules add new fishing days, intensifying pressure on local fleets.

The broader takeaway is a mixed picture. Some sectors see relief from continued aid, while others call for more systemic measures to ensure affordability and sustained activity. As prices fluctuate and policy shifts unfold, the conversation centers on balancing immediate relief with long-term economic resilience across transport, agriculture, and fisheries.

— Attribution: Government statements and sector briefings cited for context.

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