Fuel discounts are being extended to the carrier-only segment in the diesel and state-provided gasoline markets. The upcoming extension is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 1st, and will apply to eligible fleets at a rate of 20 cents per liter. For the carrier sector, a more limited 10-cent-per-liter discount is set to continue through that same period.
This policy decision originated from the Executive during the Council of Ministers meeting held last year. It marks a positive shift in fuel pricing, particularly for the transport industry, as the 10-cent-per-liter discount is slated to expire next June. Private customers saw this concession disappear at the end of the previous year on December 31st, creating a divergence between sectors.
For gas-powered fleets that have operated in the market, a compensation of 27 cents per liter is being considered in light of fluctuating fuel costs. In response to the current price environment, a reduction of 14 euro cents per liter will be implemented in the second quarter of the year.
All these benefits are issued to carriers using professional diesel at the end of each month. The overall cost to implement the reductions for the road transport sector in the first half of the year is projected at 598 million euros.
Recent trends show a continued decline in fuel prices, with diesel hovering around 1.54 euros per liter and petrol near 1.62 euros, down from peaks of about 2.10 euros and 2.15 euros respectively reached in the prior year. This trend aligns with broader market dynamics observed across European energy markets, where supply adjustments and seasonal demand have influenced price movements.
The Spanish Confederation of Freight Forwarding (CETM), alongside the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, is monitoring fuel price developments to determine if maintaining the 20-cent bonus beyond March remains prudent. In the current cycle, prices have continued to ease since December, with diesel showing particular resilience in the downward trajectory, leading authorities to expect no changes to the planned 10-cent-per-liter discount in the near term.
Overall, the policy aims to cushion the impact of fuel price volatility on essential freight operations, ensuring that carriers can plan with greater cost predictability. Stakeholders are advised to monitor updates from CETM and the Ministry on any potential extensions or adjustments to the discount framework as market conditions evolve.