Slovenia has announced daily limits on fuel purchases, becoming the first European Union member to introduce rationing amid regional supply worries and rising prices.
The government says the move is aimed at preventing shortages and stopping motorists from filling up in Slovenia and returning home with cheaper fuel.
Private drivers are now limited to 50 litres per day, while businesses and farmers can buy up to 200 litres.
Petrol station staff will be responsible for enforcing the caps at the pumps.
Some retailers had already set their own limits: for example, the regional fuel company MOL had placed a 30‑litre ceiling at its outlets.
Ljubljana insists storage depots are well stocked and there will be no countrywide shortage.
Still, the measure responds to market turmoil linked to recent strikes and counterstrikes affecting major players in global energy markets.
Price differences across the border are large enough to encourage cross‑border refuelling.
A litre of Euro‑super 95 in Austria is approaching €1.80, with diesel near €2.00, compared with Slovenia’s capped rates of about €1.47 and €1.53 respectively — though hikes are scheduled.
Scenes at border stations have ranged from long queues of Austrian‑registered cars to empty pumps, with some drivers expressing disbelief at the situation.
An Austrian politician has highlighted his own trips across the border to underline the cost gap, drawing public attention.
Locals are split: some complain that visiting drivers create delays and strain supplies, while others welcome the extra business local cafes and shops get from day‑trippers.
Officials say stricter controls for foreign motorists are encouraged and that the rationing will remain as long as price disparities and market volatility persist.
