In Sweden, gasoline prices have dropped so much that several gas stations are running out of fuel.
The shortage comes after a tax cut at the start of the year, which made gasoline 75 Swedish öre (equivalent to $0,068) cheaper per liter, prompting drivers to stock up in larger quantities.
Gas Stations Running Dry
Stations along the E16 in western Dalarna and in places like Järlåsa, between Uppsala and Heby, have reported empty fuel pumps. For example, the Din-X supermarket in Järlåsa has experienced shortages of both gasoline and diesel, according to Uppsala Nya Tidning and Boosted.
“It feels sad in every way that we’ve been without gas at the pumps for four days,” said Anders Elovsson, a manager in Falu-Kuriren.
OKQ8, one of Sweden's largest fuel companies, confirmed that they are working "intensely" to resolve the issue.
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The situation highlights a larger problem in Sweden known as "tank death", where the number of petrol stations, especially in rural areas, has significantly declined. This forces drivers to travel farther to refuel, making shortages even more disruptive.
In rural regions, where businesses and private individuals rely heavily on cars, the lack of gasoline could have serious consequences.
Unlike other countries where fuel prices have risen due to higher taxes, Sweden's government lowered taxes as part of an election promise. This has made gasoline in Sweden the second-cheapest in Europe.
However, the surge in demand caused by the lower prices has overwhelmed supply chains, raising questions about the stability of fuel access in the future.
It remains unclear how long it will take for gas stations to replenish their supplies.
