Uncertainty lingers over whether the 20-cent-per-liter fuel discount will continue. Gas stations in Extremadura are urging the government to report what will happen with the measure, as December closes and a new year looms. Fernando Mena del Pueyo, president of the regional Extremadura Gas Station Entrepreneurs Association (Aresex), warns that the period ahead could see a shortage of stations and a rush of customers trying to refuel before the current support ends, driven by inflation concerns.
I advise everyone to refuel now. If the measure stays in place too long, there may not be enough capacity to handle a surge of customers in such a short window. A sudden announcement could lead to supply tensions and public discomfort. Past experience shows that a hurried decree can create chaos at stations, so it would be prudent for officials to provide timely information. The sense is that confusion may return if there is no clear communication.
We will comply with government directives, but immediate clarity is essential for organization. Much has been discussed, yet nothing final has been issued, notes Mena. In this context, María Jesus Montero, Minister of Finance and Public Functions, indicated last week that the government would decide, with urgency, whether to extend or withdraw the subsidy based on wholesale fuel prices. The measure is part of a broader anti-crisis package that the executive plans to approve around December 29, with an extraordinary Cabinet meeting expected.
The government appears to argue that limiting the aid to specific professional sectors, such as hauliers and farmers, would no longer constitute universal support. In an interview with RNE, officials suggested that multiple options are being explored and that any extension or withdrawal will hinge on wholesale market conditions.
Public transport
Extremaduran carriers remain confident that the discount will continue for their sector at least in the near term, fearing a potential catastrophe otherwise. Germán Martínez, spokesman for the National Platform for Defense of the Transport Sector in Extremadura, states that the economic situation for transport remains challenging. He notes that many companies, freelancers, and workers are closing, and they may not restart once the year ends. The loss of the 20-cent discount could hit those already operating under tight margins and facing rising fuel costs.
Martínez also welcomes the management of the new National Road Transport Inspection Plan by the regional government. The goal is to ensure that freight services do not incur losses or face delayed payments. In Extremadura, controls are already visible: documents are requested, costs are scrutinized, and the prices paid by the freight operators are examined. Those who fail to comply will face penalties. The emphasis is on ensuring that the pricing reflects the costs monitored by the cost observatory and associated controls.
The evolving policy landscape leaves transport stakeholders navigating a delicate balance between timely relief for fuel users and the broader fiscal constraints. As discussions continue, the industry stresses the need for quick decisions to prevent disruption and maintain stable operations for road freight and passenger transit. This developing situation is being watched closely by operators and policymakers who aim to shield essential services from price volatility while preserving fiscal responsibility.
The overall message from Extremadura’s transport community is clear: timely clarity from authorities, consistent application of the rules, and careful monitoring of wholesale prices will determine whether the 20-cent discount endures. The coming days are pivotal for both fuel users and service providers as the region braces for the transition into the new year.
Note: sources accompanying these statements reflect regional industry observations and public remarks from sector representatives and government officials as of the current reporting period. Attributions are provided for context to support transparency and accountability in policy impact assessment.