article_detail

Spain is rolling out a sweeping €5 billion package of measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living, as the economic impact of the war in Iran continues to push up energy and fuel prices across Europe.

 

At the heart of the plan, announced by President Pedro Sánchez this Friday March 20, is a temporary reduction in VAT on petrol, electricity and natural gas from 21% to 10%. The move forms part of a wider Royal Decree-Law approved during an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting this Friday and due to come into force following its publication in the Official State Gazette on Saturday.

 

The decree is one of two approved by the government, and together they form what Sánchez described as a “Comprehensive Response Plan” made up of around 80 short-term and structural measures. These span tax cuts, energy reforms and social protections designed to shield households and businesses from price shocks.

 

“When the plan comes into force tomorrow (it will be published in the Official State Gazette this Saturday), Spain will become the country with the strongest social and economic safety net in the entire EU in response to this illegal war, which we do not endorse,” said Sánchez.

 

 

Alongside the VAT cut, the government is also reducing excise duty on hydrocarbons, currently set at €0.379 per litre of diesel and €0.47269 per litre of petrol. In doing so, it is scrapping the 20-cent-per-litre fuel rebate introduced during the inflation crisis linked to the war in Ukraine.

 

Further energy-related measures include abolishing the 7% electricity generation tax paid by companies and cutting the 5.11% special electricity tax paid by consumers. The package also boosts the social electricity tariff, with discounts on electricity bills expected to rise to 42.5% for vulnerable households and 57.5% for those classified as severely vulnerable, while guaranteeing continued access to water and energy supplies.

 

Support for specific sectors is also included. Hauliers will benefit from a 20-cent-per-litre discount on diesel through the special hydrocarbon tax, while those in the agricultural sector will receive a similar subsidy for fuel use. Additional temporary aid will be available for transport operators who do not qualify for existing rebates.

 

The plan also revives a 15% deduction on IRPF income tax for the purchase of electric vehicles and introduces incentives for improving energy efficiency in homes, while one measure even contemplates making it illegal for companies receiving public aid to make staff redundant.

 

Separately, under pressure from coalition partner Sumar, the government has approved another decree proposing a rent freeze. However, Sánchez acknowledged that there is currently insufficient parliamentary support for that measure to pass.

 

 

Speaking ahead of a European Council meeting in Brussels, President Sánchez highlighted Spain’s relative resilience on energy prices, crediting long-term investment in renewables.

 

“The lesson Spain can teach the rest of Europe is its commitment to renewable energy,” he said, highlighting he difference in energy prices across the European Union. “Last Saturday, Spain’s electricity price stood at 14 euros per MWh. In Italy, Germany and France, it was over 100 euros per megawatt hour.”

 

These measures must now be ratified by Congress, but if approved, they will mark one of the most significant interventions by the Spanish government in recent years to cushion households and businesses from international energy shocks and rising prices.

 

Image: La Moncloa