Greek MPs demand overhaul of agricultural diesel tax refund criteria amid claims of farmer injustice
Seven Members of Parliament from Greece’s New Left party have submitted a formal parliamentary question calling for the urgent revision of the Special Consumption Tax (EFK) refund system on agricultural diesel. The initiative was led by İskeçe MP and Agricultural Affairs Spokesperson, Hüseyin Zeybek.
Outdated 2014 Consumption Table Under Fire
At the center of the dispute lies a government consumption table used by the Ministry of Finance to calculate diesel tax refunds per crop type. According to the MPs, the table has not been updated since 2014, creating significant discrepancies between official fuel consumption limits and the actual energy needs of modern agricultural production.
The lawmakers argue that this outdated framework excludes a substantial percentage of farmers from full eligibility—particularly those cultivating energy-intensive crops. As production costs continue to rise due to inflation, fuel prices, and operational expenses, the failure to adjust refund thresholds further strains the agricultural sector.
“Full Refund” Pledge Questioned
The MPs contend that the government’s promise of a “full refund” of the Special Consumption Tax on agricultural diesel is effectively undermined by the unchanged criteria. They emphasize that without revising the maximum consumption limits per crop, many producers remain partially reimbursed—or entirely excluded.
Criticism has also been directed at the Minister of Finance, who this year once again announced the formation of a special committee to reassess refund limits. A similar pledge was made last year following widespread farmer protests. The proposed committee was expected to include farmer representatives and aim to bring 95%–99% of farmers within refund eligibility thresholds.
However, according to the MPs, no such working group has been formally established, nor have refund limits been increased. The minister has indicated that this year’s budget allocation for the measure could exceed €100 million, raising further questions about implementation timelines and policy consistency.
Key Questions Raised in Parliament
The parliamentary inquiry seeks clear answers from the responsible ministries on the following:
- Why was the special working group announced after last year’s farmer mobilizations never established?
- Has this year’s newly announced committee been officially formed, and if so, what is its composition?
- What is the timeline for completing its review and implementing revised, expanded EFK refund limits?
Growing Pressure on Greek Agricultural Policy
The issue adds to mounting pressure on the Greek government to address structural challenges facing the agricultural sector. With fuel costs representing a major input expense, the recalibration of diesel tax refunds is seen as a critical measure to ensure farm sustainability and competitiveness.
As farmers continue to demand transparency and fair treatment, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether policy reforms will materialize—or whether political commitments will once again remain unfulfilled.
