Romania Wants To Subsidize Diesel Price Hikes For Farmers

Romania’s Government already subsidizes part of the excise duties on diesel fuel but the minister said farmers need more aid.

„Fuel prices have increased 30-35%. We want to cover these price hikes, but any change must be notified to the European Commission,” said Tabara.

Tabara said higher fuel prices will trigger higher prices for farming products.

„We haven’t yet produced anything at the current cost of diesel fuel but that may be a problem,” he said.

He added the ministry is working in view of the next state budget revision, where it hopes the agriculture sector gets more money.

„We’re also thinking of an aid package for irrigations, where the state should at least cover energy costs,” said the minister.

Since the beginning of the year, oil companies increased fuel prices on six occasions and prices have gone up by 3-4%. Fuel prices rose more than 15% last year, adding to a 13% increase posted in 2009.