Serbian farmers call off blockades over fuel excise

The government has suggested providing farmers with more affordable fuel at all fuel stations. Specifically, at NIS petrol stations, the fuel cost for farmers will be lowered to 179 dinars per litre ($1.67/1.53 euro), with an additional reduction of 50 dinars per litre as an excise duty refund. For all other stations, a 50-dinar per litre excise duty refund will also be available, according to a government statement on Tuesday.

An agreement was reached to hold a new meeting over the weekend, where farmers will present responses to proposed solutions.

In addition to the elimination of excise duties on fuel, the farmers want the minimum price for milk to go up to 78 dinars per litre plus VAT, from the current range of 60-65 dinars. They are also asking for higher subsidies for arable land and cattle production, aiming for an increase from 30,000 to 40,000 dinars per cow.

According to local media reports, the farmers will continue to protest but with their vehicles by the roadsides.

1 euro = 117.196 dinars