Calviño threatens to withdraw the fuel bonus if the operators absorb it in the price

The First Vice President of the Government and Minister of Economic Affairs and for Digital Transformation,

, has assured that the Executive

on fuel if the operators absorb this discount and maintain the prices.

Calviño, yes, has avoided specifying if they have news that this practice is being carried out.

As explained by the minister in statements to RNE, the Government will assess which measures of the decree, which came into force a month ago, are being more effective with a view to a possible extension of this tool.

Initially, it will be in operation until June 30.

"If we see that some measure keeps prices down because the operators are absorbing the aid, we will not continue with that aid," Calviño threatened.

However, regarding this possibility, he only pointed out that the Executive "is closely following the fuel market", as well as the electricity market.

The fuel discount was harshly criticized by small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the sector, who during the first few days had to pay the discount out of their pocket until it was reimbursed.

Once the advances from the Government began to arrive, they also questioned their predictions, which they considered that in some cases they fell short and did not cover the amount they had had to contribute.

An EsadeEcPol report also attacked the approach of this aid, aimed at alleviating the energy crisis -especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine-, for being of "low efficiency" and benefiting "high incomes".

Calviño, according to

, has also called for the "responsibility" of companies, especially energy companies, so that they "put their shoulders to the wheel", lower the price of electricity and facilitate the National Institute of Statistics (INE) the data that has been demanded of them in order to put an end to the overweighting of the price of gas in the CPI so that it can faithfully reflect the price of electricity.

"We have spent months trying to get these detailed data. There is an electricity company that has not provided the data and we need everyone to help. The message I am sending is to urge energy companies to pitch in to lower fuel prices , so that the price of energy in the wholesale market falls and so that the CPI reflects real prices well", stressed the minister, who did not want to provide the name of the company that has not yet sent the data to the INE.

Calviño warned that the Government will use all available instruments so that companies do not stop price drops and, in fact, has recalled that the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has already been urged to investigate any possible conduct that may be preventing prices from falling.

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• Nadia Calvino

• Gasoline