Bulgaria's Economy Minister Petar Dimitrov met Tuesday with representatives of transport companies protesting against the record high fuel prices. Photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's government is to start negotiations with the European Commission over the amount of the fuel excise in the country, Economy Minister Petar Dimitrov said Tuesday.
Dimitrov made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of transport companies that protest against the record high prices of the diesel fuel.
About 1,000 truckers across Bulgaria protested Monday demanding that the government urgently takes measures to curb the constantly rising fuel prices in Bulgaria, which are among the highest in Europe.
During the last few years the gasoline excise increased by 128% while the tax hike for the diesel is 445.5 %, experts said.
Although the fuel taxes are still lower than those of the other EU members, the prices are already record high and truckers say they have started to fill their tanks in countries like Slovenia where the fuel is considerably cheaper.
According to transport companies, the high fuel prices are a result of speculation and cartel agreements.