Ćorić: The government will use all tools to curb the growth of energy prices

At midnight, fuel prices jumped significantly, now exceeding the hitherto historic record prices from October last year. A liter of gasoline went up by 24 lipa, diesel by 21 lipa, and natural gas for cars by 3 lipa. Prices at gas stations vary, but on average now a liter of gasoline costs 11.37 kuna, diesel 11.31 kuna, and natural gas 6.11 kuna. Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tomislav Ćorić expects prices to fall in the coming months.

“We had consultations this morning. What is encouraging is that on the reference platforms, so to speak, the coming weeks or months should bring stagnation, being reductions and balance at a lower level. However, if there is a further escalation, then all options are open,” said Tomislav Ćorić.

He said that the Government will use all the tools at its disposal to curb the growth of energy prices, and that one of them is the rate of value added tax.

“We will use all the tools at our disposal and one of them is the rate of value added tax, which is currently 25% for natural gas and 13% for electricity, so there is room for maneuver,” he said before a joint session of the Croatian Democratic Union Presidency and National Council, when asked how the Government will react to rising energy prices.

He rejected speculation that natural gas supply could be called into question; saying that Croatia is in a specific position compared to most European countries, and that is that it has alternative supply routes.

“By building LNG terminal on the island of Krk, Croatia has secured a secure gas supply at any time and this is something that definitely sets us apart from most,” said Ćorić, emphasizing the importance of this project.

Source: HRT