Styrians argue: diesel privilege yes or no? Diversity of opinions in the country

Styrians argue: diesel privilege yes or no? Diversity of opinions in the country

A hotly debated topic is currently being discussed in Styria: the so-called “diesel privilege”. This regulation means that diesel fuel is taxed slightly less than gasoline, around 8 cents per liter. While some see tax relief as important for the economy, environmentalists criticize this form of support as subsidizing fossil fuels.

The debate has long since reached the minds of the population. A survey by the renowned opinion research institute OGM, carried out as part of the election aid tool “iVote”, shows a clear division in the opinions of Styrians. With around 800,000 registered cars in the region, over half of which run on diesel, the topic is highly relevant for many households.

Support for the diesel privilege varies widely

The results show that only around 43 percent of survey participants support abolishing the diesel privilege. In Graz, where connections to public transport are better, 57 percent are in favor of abolition. In contrast, there are more rural areas where people tend to advocate maintaining the diesel concession. This difference is clear: in commuter districts such as Graz surroundings, Leibnitz and Weiz, the numbers fluctuate between 43 and 46 percent support for abolition.

The rejection of abolition is particularly strong in the Murau district, where only 17 percent of those surveyed are in favor of it. “The people of Murau are highly dependent on their cars,” says Johannes Klotz from OGM. This highlights the challenges faced by rural communities, where there is often no good access to public transport. According to the Austrian Spatial Planning Conference ÖROK, the majority of residents in no municipality in the district have access to an adequate public transport system.

Dilemma between city and country

Klotz points out that a quick decision on this matter could be dangerous. Tensions between urban and rural interests could continue to grow, especially if an increase in diesel prices further increases the cost of living. This could exacerbate the already strained budget situation for many.

Interested citizens are invited to give their opinion on the topic using the voting aid tool “iVote”. At www.ivote.at, participants can express their views on around 40 topics and rate the importance of these topics for themselves.

These current developments in the discussion about the diesel privilege shed light on the complex perspectives that must include both urban and rural perspectives. The opinions about whether this regulation should remain or be abolished clearly reflect the different realities of life and challenges that many people in Styria are confronted with.