Slovenia limits fuel purchases as pumps run dry

Slovenia temporarily restricted fuel purchases on Sunday to combat a shortage at the pumps caused by the Iran War and cross-border stockpiling. This has raised concerns over the security of supplies ahead of the country's elections.

The fueling of private vehicles at service stations will be limited to 50 litres a day and for legal entities or private businessmen such as farmers, it is 200 litres. Robert Golob, the Prime Minister, announced that restrictions would remain in place until further notice on Saturday evening. Golob, who is running against the right-wing populist Janez Jansa for an election on Sunday, said: "Let me assure you that there will be no shortage of fuel in Slovenia. The warehouses are filled and?there won't be any fuel shortages."

Golob stated that the issue was the transport of fuel from gas stations to retailers, and that the army would be using tankers to assist them.

Petrol, Slovenia's largest oil distributor, is experiencing fuel shortages. This has caused long lines at its gas stations.

On Sunday, many petrol stations in Slovenia were closed. The Hungarian oil group MOL has kept its stations open, but they have already restricted purchases to 30 litres per person and 200 litres per legal entity.

At a Ljubljana gas station, Tamara Gale Beasinsky said, "Today, we had no problems, because I've got an app that lets me check where to fill up." Yesterday, we had a problem as we waited more than 20 mins in line...and were only able to fill up 30 litres with diesel.

The government asked that retailers 'update them on the supply situation daily so that additional measures could be imposed, if needed. Golob stated that the government has also recommended retailers take special measures for foreign drivers.

Sahli Pier-Alain is a Swiss tourist who was visiting Ljubljana. She said, "I never thought it would be linked so quickly with the events in Iran."

(source: Reuters)