PETROL prices for Slovak drivers have remained stable at Sk38 per litre for about a month, even though world prices have risen since then. The Robert Fico cabinet ascribes this to its negotiations with the Slovnaft refinery, but the dominant player on the market denies it is yielding to government pressure.
Slovnaft spokesperson Hana Šimková said after the third round of negotiations between representatives of the refinery and the government on May 9 that Slovnaft devises its prices from the development of crude oil and its products' prices on world markets.
But PM Robert Fico still regards the price of petrol in Slovakia to be too high, saying in previous statements that it should cost about Sk35 per litre.
The third round of talks between the government and Slovnaft ended without any tangible result. Motor fuel prices should remain frozen until the next round of negotiations, which have not been scheduled yet.
