Czech Government Caps Fuel Prices from 8 April 2026
In response to massively increasing fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict, the Czech government introduced emergency fuel price controls effective 8 April 2026. The current measures apply until 30 April 2026.
How It Works
The system has two fixed limits and one daily limit:
Fixed limits on excise duty cut – Diesel excise duty reduced by CZK 1.939/litre. This is the maximum cut permitted under EU law. Petrol excise duty is unchanged.
Fixed limits on margin cap – Petrol station margins capped at CZK 2.50/litre for standard fuels (Diesel and Petrol). Premium fuels are exempt from this limitation.
Daily limits on maximum price –The Ministry of Finance publishes every working day at 2:00 p.m. the maximum permitted retail price for the following day in its official Price Bulletin. This price already reflects all components: wholesale market prices, excise duty, the margin cap, and VAT. On Fridays, prices are also set for the weekend and public holidays.
On the first day of enforcement (8 April 2026), the caps were: petrol CZK 43.15/litre and diesel CZK 49.59/litre.
What This Means in Practice
Retailers must stay within both the margin cap and the daily maximum price — whichever is more restrictive applies. Compliance is enforced by the Specialised Financial Office, which can impose fines of up to CZK 5 million per violation.
What Comes Next
The Ministry of Finance is preparing new legislation to make this type of price regulation a permanent crisis tool, allowing any future government to act quickly by government decree rather than ad hoc measures.
Should you need assistance interpreting these regulations or monitoring your margins for compliance, we are happy to help.
