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Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to implement fuel rationing following significant disruptions in global energy markets. The measure follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf allies, which have caused worldwide fuel prices to spike. Slovenian officials introduced the limits to combat "fuel tourism," where drivers from neighboring countries like Austria cross the border to buy cheaper, regulated fuel.
Under the new measures, private motorists in Slovenia will be restricted to a maximum purchase of 50 litres of fuel per day. Businesses and farmers have a more generous allowance of 200 litres.
Some fuel retailers had already imposed measures of their own. Hungary's MOL, which operates petrol stations across the region, had already imposed a 30-litre limit.
"Let me reassure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia, the warehouses are full and there will be no fuel shortages," said Prime Minister Robert Golob at the weekend.
Under his government's new measures, the nationwide restrictions are to be policed by the petrol stations themselves, with employees required to make sure that customers do not stock up on more than the allowed amount of fuel.
The government is also encouraging fuel retailers to introduce stricter limits for foreign drivers. The price for a litre of Euro-super 95 petrol in Austria is pushing towards $2.09 with diesel closer to the $2.32 mark. In Slovenia it is currently held at a maximum of $1.71 and $1.78 respectively, although that is set to rise on Tuesday.
