WILLEMSTAD - The 25 cents discount on a liter of gasoline and 28 cents on diesel will remain in force for the next three months. The measure was taken in May last year to counter the negative consequences of rising fuel prices and was subsequently extended twice more.
According to the Minister of Finance, the effect of the drop in current fuel prices on the international market will only be noticeable later, due to earlier purchases and fuel stocks. Reason to extend the temporary discount until March 31.
It concerns an adjustment of the turnover tax and the import duties on fuel/excise, which has been approved by parliament.
The measure costs the government 27 million guilders every three months due to the initial lack of sales tax and excise duties. However, the expectation is that the lower fuel price will lead to more sales and therefore generate more income from sales tax.