The European Commission has admitted that the coalition government’s initiatives regarding the taxation of heating oil has failed, when questioned on the measure’s effectiveness by SYRIZA MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis.
Mr. Papadimoulis had requested to be informed how the EU evaluated the financial and social aspects of raising the tax on heating oil, in order to match that of diesel. The response was that following the initiative, revenue from heating oil was far less than expected and noted that the measure is being considered as part of the ongoing fifth review of the Greek bailout.
Commissioner Algirdas Semeta also commented on the input-output system that must be installed at fuelling stations to tackle instances of smuggling. Mr. Semeta noted that while a European legislative framework was in place, it is up to each member state to carry out inspections and adopt the necessary measures to secure the transportation of energy products.
