Slovakia said on Wednesday it would repeal restrictions on diesel sales, including higher prices for foreign drivers, after the European Commission warned the measures breached EU law. The government had introduced the rules in March, citing disrupted oil supplies through a pipeline via Ukraine as global energy prices surged amid conflict in the Middle East.
Supplies of Russian oil to the landlocked EU member resumed last month after repairs to the damaged pipeline, following a prolonged dispute. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said the dual pricing system which charged drivers with foreign licence plates more would be scrapped from Friday. Authorities also lifted a 10-litre cap on refuelling external tanks.
The European Commission had described the pricing policy as “highly discriminatory” and contrary to EU rules, warning it could pursue legal action. Sakova said removing the measures meant the grounds for such action “no longer exist.”