Spain May End Fuel Discount for Moroccan Travelers and Tourists

These oil companies believe that the government’s measure is intended to mitigate the effects of the rise in diesel and gasoline prices on the wallets of Spaniards exclusively, according to Ok Diario. "We cannot apply this measure to everyone, especially to tourists who come this summer," the company officials insisted, stressing that this year’s Marhaba Operation will be exceptional, after two years of cancellation.

Read: Moroccan Diaspora’s Summer Return Boosts Spanish Tourism, Generating Millions

Professionals in the sector believe that applying the discount to all drivers traveling in Spain calls into question the effectiveness of the measure. The Economic and Social Council (CES) recently described this measure as "ineffective" and "regressive". Like him, the CEO of Cepsa, Maarten Wetselaar, finds that it is not effective if it has to take everyone into account.

The oil companies also took the opportunity of this meeting with the government to request an extension of the measure. A request to which the Spanish authorities intend to accede and extend the measure for six months.