Fewer Revenues from Mineral Oil Tax in the Previous Year

The mineral oil revenue will be 600 million euros lower in 2024 than in 2019. Additionally, inflation has reduced the value of the revenue by about 25 percent. At the same time, the costs for maintaining roads, bridges, and tunnels have increased significantly, due to the age of the infrastructure and increased climate costs from extreme weather events such as floods.

Mineral Oil Tax: VCÖ Criticizes Lower Taxation of Diesel

For highways and expressways alone, maintenance costs in 2023 were 874 million euros, 77 percent higher than in 2019, when they were 494 million euros, compares the VCÖ, referring to figures from the highway financing company Asfinag. The VCÖ remains critical of the fact that diesel is taxed less than gasoline. This so-called "diesel privilege" amounted to around 560 million euros last year and is "neither economically nor ecologically justified." In addition, electric cars are now taxed higher, which "also contradicts Austria's energy and climate goals," writes the VCÖ in a statement.

No Adjustment of Mineral Oil Tax Since 2011

The mineral oil tax, which is a fixed amount per liter refueled, has not been adjusted since 2011. However, inflation has since accumulated to around 50 percent. The mineral oil tax on a liter of diesel has been 39.7 cents since 2011, 8.5 cents lower than on gasoline. The MÖSt is not earmarked for road construction or maintenance.

(APA/Red)

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