Fuel prices rise from Tuesday as Government extends measures

Starting Tuesday, fuel prices in Croatia will increase following a government decision adopted at a telephone session on Monday. The new prices will remain in effect for the next two weeks.

The price of basic gasoline will rise by four cents per liter to €1.66, while diesel will increase by 12 cents to €1.85 per liter. Blue diesel-used primarily by farmers and fishermen-will see the largest jump, climbing by 17 cents to €1.36 per liter.

The government adopted two decrees as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs, driven largely by global geopolitical tensions.

One decree extends the reduction of excise duties on gasoline and diesel for an additional two-week period, from April 7 to April 20.

The second decree sets maximum retail prices for petroleum products, calculated based on average prices over the previous 14-day period, with capped margins for distributors.

The government says its priority remains ensuring affordable energy prices while maintaining a stable and secure supply amid continued global uncertainty.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković said the government’s intervention was necessary to prevent even higher prices and to safeguard supply.

“We are continuing the policy of reducing excise duties and setting a maximum price for petroleum products. If there had been no reaction from the Government, prices would have been, as we all know, significantly higher. However, at this moment, it is important to keep the price as low or stable as possible in relation to certain external events that we cannot control, but also to have a secure steady supply of petroleum products and all forms of energy in Croatia,” she said.

Responding to questions about fuel pricing-particularly in light of tourists also benefiting from regulated prices-Vučković noted that a distinction has been introduced for fuel sold on highways.

Asked whether prices could soon approach the European average of €2 per liter, she said the outlook remains uncertain due to the challenging geopolitical environment and ongoing conflicts, adding that economic consequences cannot be resolved overnight.

She stressed that the government is implementing both short-term measures and longer-term strategies to strengthen resilience across the economy, targeting households, businesses, and industry.

Vučković also warned that the impact of global instability extends beyond energy, affecting sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. She highlighted concerns over gas and ammonia prices, as well as potential disruptions in the nitrogen fertilizer market.

In addition, she pointed to risks to global supply chains, noting that key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are crucial for transporting raw materials like aluminum, with potential implications for construction and other industries.