Serbia Issues Free Fuel, But We're Still Waiting for the Bus at Tosele Stop

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has decided to do something no Latvian politician would ever dare — actually give money back to the people. He reduced the excise tax on fuel by 61 percent, almost giving up state revenues entirely. Our politicians probably read this news and think — is he serious?

Now in Serbia diesel costs 1.80 euros per liter, and gasoline — 1.60 euros. For comparison, in Liepāja we pay more and still brag about being in the European Union. As my neighbor from Tosele bus stop said: 'They're making fuel cheaper over there, but our bus still runs once an hour. Maybe we should send our city council to learn from them?'

Vučić explains that without this reduction, diesel would cost 2.18 euros per liter. Interesting that in Serbia the president knows how much fuel costs at the store. Our prime minister probably thinks gasoline grows on trees and is produced in Rīga. The Serbs also banned oil exports and are using their reserves — something that in Latvia would be called 'anti-market economics' and immediately prohibited.

But while in Serbia people are filling up for half price, in Liepāja we continue paying full price and rejoicing that at least the wind is free. As always — the Balkans prove it can be done differently, but we choose the complicated route through Rīga.