Slovenia Limits Fuel Purchases As Some Pumps Run Dry

Slovenia has temporarily limited fuel purchases to tackle shortages at the pump caused in part by cross-border fueling and stockpiling due to the Iran war, raising concerns about security of supplies just as the country heads to the polls.

Fueling at individual service stations has been restricted to 50 litres per day for private vehicles and 200 litres for companies and other priority users, such as farmers, Prime Minister Robert Golob announced on Saturday evening.

The restrictions will remain in force until further notice.

“Let me reassure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia. The warehouses are full, and there will be no fuel shortages,” said Golob.

At an emergency session on Sunday, the government accused Petrol—the largest Slovenian oil distribution company, in which the state has a 32.3% stake—of failing to eliminate disruptions in fuel distribution. It also ordered an inquiry into possible violations in fuel trading and the management of critical infrastructure.

The government further called on the Slovenian sovereign wealth fund to request a meeting of Petrol’s shareholders and to ask for a special audit of the company’s logistics operations after March 16.

In addition, the government ordered the interior ministry to submit a report to law enforcement agencies due to “possible grounds for suspicion” of criminal offences by some Petrol staff.

Petrol rejected the government’s accusations, stating in a statement published by the state news agency STA that the problems at some sales points were solely the result of a sudden surge in demand in recent days. The company rebutted any suggestions of irregularities or responsibility for shortages at stations.

“The company has a crisis coordination group that continuously monitors the situation and adjusts measures to stabilize supply,” Petrol said.

Golob added that the army would be called in to help retailers move supplies.

The government also recommended that retailers prepare special measures for foreign drivers, without providing further details.

Many filling stations across Slovenia were closed on Sunday. Those belonging to the Hungarian oil and gas group MOL Group have remained open but had already limited purchases to 30 litres for individuals and 200 litres for companies.