Gasoline and diesel will rise in price significantly in the coming days after the PSD-PNL government decided not to extend the 50 pesos compensation measure and also refuses to implement fuel excise cuts despite the published law. 10 years ago and is due to apply from January 1, 2023, the USR said on Friday.

“It is typical for the current PSD-PNL leaders to make fun of Romanians. After they cheated us with 50 money at the gas station once every 3 months, since January 1 they no longer give it. It is too much for them, they need additional funds for a special budget. They also lied to us that the excise duty will be reduced from January 1 and that Romanians will not suffer. Now, on the eve of the new year, they come and say: on the circle! Indeed, excise taxes are growing! In addition, 2 days ago they instantly and without consultation introduced a new “solidarity tax” on the exceptional income of crude oil producers. So from January, let’s expect new price increases due to the harmful policy of the Government! Solidarity with oneself, not with Romanians. This is in the conditions when international quotations of a barrel of oil have calmed down and the price of fuel at gas stations should have calmed down. But like us, no one! As long as there is support from the people and the PSD and PNL are close at hand, nothing good will happen,” says Christina Prune, USR MP and vice-president of the Committee on Industry and Services in the Chamber of Deputies.

Technically, the minimum value of excise taxes on fuel is set by the European Union, but the governors could agree on a concession that would not be difficult to obtain in the current conditions of the energy crisis. Thus, Romanians could benefit from the lower excise duties on fuel, as they were established by Law 370/2022, which would at least soften the cancellation of the compensation by 50 pesos.

“Romanians are once again abandoned by a government that is unable to understand their needs and protect them at the EU level. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance must give an account of why they are abandoning the interests of Romanians. The Minister of Finance could try to impose and justify lower values ​​of the excise duty, especially since after the pandemic we see a lot of flexibility in the EU to deviate from its own rules. The explanations of the ministry, led by Adrian Cachiu, seem to come from officials who diligently apply European rules. There is no political vision of the minister and the government. Because they don’t have, because they are incompetent and angry,” states Anka Dragu, USR senator and former finance minister.

Law 370/2022, which increased fees and taxes for Romanians, including excessive taxation of part-time contracts, was voted by the PSD, PNL, UDMR and minority parliamentarians and unveiled by President Ioannis on 20 December. Let the PSD, PNL, UDMR and President Iohannis explain why a provision that could have helped Romanians cope with the price explosion is completely ignored in this law, the USR statement also said