VIENNA – Austria’s road freight transport association, Fachverband Güterbeförderung, has welcomed the government’s announced measures to limit fuel prices. According to the association, the move is a first step towards easing the financial burden on transport companies following the recent sharp rise in fuel costs. However, it warns that restricting profit margins could pose problems for security of supply and is calling for a temporary suspension of CO₂ pricing.
Fachverband Güterbeförderung, part of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ), had joined other representatives of the transport sector in sending an open letter to Chancellor Christian Stocker, calling for swift measures to reduce costs for businesses.
“It is encouraging that our appeal has prompted a response,” says Markus Fischer, chairman of the association.
According to Fischer, the announced fuel price cap could help transport companies absorb at least part of the recent sharp increase in fuel costs.
Cost increases extend beyond fuel prices
The association stresses that transport companies have been facing substantial cost increases for some time. According to the organisation, these go well beyond the recent rise in fuel prices.
The announced measure can therefore provide only limited relief from hauliers’ overall cost burden.
Fachverband Güterbeförderung also questions the planned restriction of profit margins. According to the association, such an intervention could create problems for security of supply and is not an appropriate way to achieve a lasting reduction in business costs.
Call to suspend CO₂ pricing
The Austrian transport association believes the government should focus primarily on costs that are influenced by the state, particularly CO₂ pricing on fuels.
“The fuel price cap at least prevents the situation from deteriorating further. However, more noticeable relief requires measures targeting cost components influenced by the government, particularly the CO₂ price,” Fischer says.
The association is therefore calling on the Austrian government to suspend CO₂ pricing in addition to introducing the announced fuel price cap.
