Danish Diesel Hits Record High as Majority Support Fuel Tax Cut

Driving in Denmark is getting more expensive as fuel prices hit historic highs. Most Danes now want the government to cut fuel taxes temporarily. A new Voxmeter poll for news agency Ritzau surveyed public opinion on the issue. The survey shows that 53.8 percent of respondents support temporary tax cuts on gasoline and diesel. Meanwhile, 33.3 percent oppose reducing taxes, and 12.9 percent remain undecided.

In September, diesel reached a record price of 19.19 Danish kroner per liter at gas stations. Torben Kudsk is the policy chief at FDM, Denmark's main car owners' organization. He said rising fuel prices create serious problems for motorists. He noted that fuel has not been more expensive in recent times. Global fuel shortages caused by ongoing wars and conflicts have driven these price increases.

The poll also asked what should guide decisions on fuel taxes. A total of 39.2 percent of respondents said reducing costs for motorists should be the top priority. However, 27.2 percent felt taxes should stay high because of climate and environmental concerns. Another 25.9 percent gave equal weight to both costs and the environment, while 7.7 percent did not know.

Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard of the Social Democrats said the government is monitoring the situation closely. He wrote on Facebook that officials are ready to do more if energy prices keep rising. However, he did not outline any specific measures. This story was reported by CPH Post.