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EC wants hike in fuel tax minimums

17th November 1994
Page 6
Page 6, 17th November 1994 — EC wants hike in fuel tax minimums
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• The European Commission is poised to raise the European Union's minimum levels for fuel excise duties.

This issue was on the agenda of a Commission meeting yesterday (16 November). One outcome of this proposal would be a significant increase in fuel costs throughout the Union. But the move would have to be unanimously approved by the EU's finance ministers.

However, UK diesel prices would not necessarily increase because fuel duties are already far above minimum levels agreed throughout the Union.

Since 1 January 1993, excise duties on diesel must be at least ECU 245 per 1,000 litres. The UK collects ECU 368/1,000 litres. The harmonised minimum would have to increase by at least 50% to bring about a rise in Great Britain.

No matter what the proposed increase will be, "the British Government could use it as an excuse to hike taxes and blame it on the EU", says a road transport lobbyist in Brussels.


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