Diesel prices pressure Austrian transport companies

Rising diesel prices are putting Austrian transport companies under growing pressure, ORF reports. Representatives of the Styrian Economic Chamber are calling for companies to receive a partial refund of their fuel costs.

According to E-Control, diesel currently costs around 2.28 euros per litre. Experts expect prices to rise to between 2.60 and 3 euros per litre. International conflicts and the heating season are adding to the pressure.

Peter Lackner, head of the Transport and Traffic division at the Styrian Economic Chamber, is calling for relief for bus operators and other transport companies. He proposed a refund of 25 cents per litre, paid by the Finance Ministry upon presentation of proof of the fuel bill.

Without such support, companies would have to pass the additional costs on to customers, Lackner said. That is not always possible, particularly under fixed-price contracts, which can leave transport companies responsible for the higher diesel bills.

The chamber is receiving numerous enquiries from business owners about how to respond to the price increases. Lackner said companies could add a diesel-price clause to their contracts, allowing prices to rise once fuel costs exceed a specified level. Diesel prices have increased by 48 percent since the beginning of the year, he said.

School transport operators have already received their annual adjustment of 3.2 percent, but that increase is unlikely to cover the additional cost of diesel.