Fuel price regulation: options for petrol station operators

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has significantly disrupted fuel prices worldwide. The Czech Republic is no exception, and domestic petrol station operators have also been forced to reflect the increased prices. In response, the Ministry of Finance acted promptly and, on 2 April, issued a price cap measure introducing a cap on the maximum retail prices of fuel sold at petrol stations. However, within just a few days of the measure taking effect, a number of problematic situations began to emerge. Due to market price fluctuations, some operators are purchasing fuel at higher prices than those at which they are subsequently permitted to sell it.