Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Ecological Transition, continues to be highly attentive to the dynamics of fuel prices in the market. The national markets regulator has signaled that it is monitoring how the 20 cent per liter gasoline bonus is affecting the prices at the pump, especially as energy costs show renewed volatility. The vigilance comes as international crude oil benchmarks fluctuate and as different gasoline formulations respond to supply and demand shifts across regions. In statements delivered to the press, Ribera underscored that authorities are watching not only the headline price but also the way the bonus is passed through to consumers. The objective is to ensure that this relief measure, designed to cushion households and businesses, is reflected in the price at the nozzle rather than absorbed by suppliers or distributors. The minister noted that the competition authority is prepared to intervene if the efficiency of the bonus is compromised by anti-competitive practices, collusion, or price-marking that undermines the intended benefit for everyday fuel users around the country.
Those remarks came after the government approved the 20 cent per liter gasoline bonus, a policy aimed at providing immediate relief to drivers while the energy market experiences tension. Ribera explained at a press conference following a special council session that the aim is to prevent undue profit-taking that would erode the value of the subsidy. She warned that the regulator would act decisively if it detects that some stations are leveraging the situation to push prices higher or are not passing the full benefit to consumers. The overarching message from the Ecological Transition Ministry is one of firm oversight coupled with steady collaboration with market participants to preserve affordability at the pump for households and businesses alike.
Gas stations accused of being on the verge of closure for failing to collect the 20-cent advances
The discussion has spilled into tough business realities, with some operators warning that the policy may strain margins and turn a number of stations into high-risk ventures if customer flows do not recover. Critics claim that the 20-cent measure could squeeze small operators who already operate on thin margins, particularly in regions where traffic fluctuates with tourism, commuting patterns, or seasonal demand. In response, Ribera stressed that the problem is not the subsidy itself but ensuring a fair distribution so that all consumers benefit equally, regardless of where they refuel. The regulator continues to map how the policy translates into real-time price changes at the point of sale and whether any profitable pass-through is occurring through extra-fee layers that would undermine the subsidy.
Nevertheless, the head of the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge pointed to a reduction in reported complaints and suspicious pricing actions. She described the trend as a positive sign that the system is starting to normalize, even as the market remains sensitive to global oil movements. The ministry argues that the subsidies must reach consumers who rely on daily fuel purchases, especially small businesses with fleets and transit operators who are watching every cent spent on fuel. By keeping close track of complaints, regulatory filings, and price movements, the authorities aim to detect any patterns of exploitation and to respond quickly with targeted enforcement and support measures.
Ribera also highlighted that the most sensitive sectors, including consumer households and professional buyers who face heavy fuel costs, must be protected as the policy continues beyond the initial phase on June 30. The government maintains that concerted monitoring will help ensure that the bonus remains a true relief rather than a loophole in price reporting. The overarching strategy involves clear guidance for fuel providers, consistent market surveillance, and an open channel for consumers to report discrepancies. In parallel, the competition authority is prepared to engage with station operators to clarify compliance requirements and to safeguard the integrity of the subsidy program. The aim is a stable transition that supports the economy without compromising consumer protection and fair competition.