BWB boss urges caution when intervening at gas stations

That would weaken competition, Harsdorf continued. But we still have to wait and see what the final regulation looks like in detail.

The government’s planned regulation envisages that margins at refineries will be reduced. The gas station operators should be obliged to pass on the reduced prices to customers. However, small providers should be protected.

BWB observes the effect of sales tax reductions

The BWB has been observing the effect of sales tax reductions for a long time. Feminine hygiene products and contraceptives have been exempt from tax since the beginning of the year. “We are looking at whether the tax cut will be passed on. The investigation will take a few months,” said Harsdorf. Even with the VAT reduction on certain staple foods coming in July, it will only be seen in a few months whether the reduction will also be received by customers.