Image: (Volker Weihbold)
VIENNA. Fuel prices have eased in 2023 compared to the previous year. This year you paid an average of 1.639 euros per liter for a liter of diesel, around 18 cents less than last year, and 1.591 euros per liter for Super (minus 13 cents). Based on the average annual consumption of a privately used diesel car (827 liters according to Statistics Austria), this means a saving of around 150 euros, said the ÖAMTC transport club.
Nevertheless, driving and owning a private car became 2.3 percent more expensive year-on-year, according to Statistics Austria’s car index. That’s less than general annual inflation, but not a drop in costs. As mentioned, the lower fuel prices would have had a price-lowering effect. However, this would be offset by significantly higher costs for vehicle acquisition, spare parts and maintenance or repairs.
Environmental tax increases
Environmental taxation – there has been CO2 pricing since October 2022 – amounted to around ten cents per liter in 2023. At the beginning of 2024, the price per ton of CO2 will rise from 32.5 to 45 euros per ton, according to the ÖAMTC. This will be accompanied by a price increase at the pumps of 3.7 or 3.4 cents per liter. The amount of the regional climate bonus, which is intended to cushion the burden of additional CO2 pricing, will not be determined until 2024. Politicians are called upon to also set a higher level of relief through the climate bonus.
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