Hungary promises to help truckers with high diesel prices

The Clean Air Action Group, an environmental organization, criticized the government’s promises, saying truck pollution causes global warming and that truckers already are receiving too many government subsidies.

The Associated Press

6/25/2008

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s leader said Wednesday the government will help truck drivers and transportation companies with the high price of diesel fuel.

Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany said possible tax refunds or other relief measures could save transporters up to 8 billion forints (US$53 million) a year.

Gyurcsany attended the signing of an agreement between the government and representatives of several transport unions aimed at improving the truckers’ competitiveness.

Recently, Hungary asked the European Union for permission to lower the excise tax on diesel fuel for commercial use from 85 forints ($0.56) a liter to 75.8 forints ($0.50) a liter.

But if the EU fails to make a decision on Hungary’s request by the end of the year, or rejects the plea, the government has said it will introduce tax cuts or other measures to help cut truckers’ costs. It also has pledged to lift bans on commercial trucks using highways over the weekend.

The Clean Air Action Group, an environmental organization, criticized the government’s promises, saying truck pollution causes global warming and that truckers already are receiving too many government subsidies.