A proposed law aimed at improving fuel tax transparency and consumer protection was discussed by the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday. It would require retailers to provide a detailed breakdown of all taxes, fees and charges on receipts issued for fuel purchases.
The proposal seeks to show consumers how the final price of each litre of fuel is calculated, including the cost of the product itself and the amounts paid in taxes and other charges.
Consumers should know what they pay for, MP says
Speaking after the committee meeting, its chairman and DISY MP Nikos Georgiou, who submitted the bill, said transparency in fuel pricing was a matter of respect for consumers and accountability.
Under the proposal, consumers would be able to see clearly how much they pay for each litre of fuel and what proportion of the price goes towards the product, taxes, contributions and fees.
Georgiou said consumers should not only see the final amount on their receipts but also understand how that amount is calculated.
He added that, at a time when the cost of living is putting pressure on households and businesses, access to this information was essential for transparency, oversight and trust.
The MP stressed that the proposal did not promise an immediate reduction in fuel prices, nor did it suggest that transparency alone would make fuel cheaper.
Instead, he said, it would give consumers a clearer picture of the tax burden and help the competent authorities carry out more effective checks.
MPs raise practical concerns
DIKO MP Adamos Aspris said some concerns and practical issues had emerged during the discussion and would need to be examined further.
He said it was important to find a balance between ensuring the market continued to operate effectively and protecting consumers through transparent procedures.
Meanwhile, ALMA MP Irene Charalambidou described the proposal as beneficial for consumers, saying petrol stations should issue receipts showing a full breakdown of the product cost and taxes.
She said this would allow customers to know how much of their payment went to the government in taxes and how much went to petrol stations.
Charalambidou said her party fully supported the proposal.
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