Diesel protests continue despite parliament’s fuel tax cut

The “Dieselbrølet” protest convoy will proceed on Friday despite a new parliamentary decision to temporarily reduce fuel taxes, the campaign’s leader told Dagbladet.

“It’s not enough. Prices must come down much further,” said Vidar Tellefsen, a haulier and organiser of the slow-driving demonstration in Bamble, southern Norway. At 1pm on Friday—amid heavy Easter traffic—he and dozens of fellow truckers plan to drive at 40 km/h along a 60-kilometre stretch from Langrønningen to Tvedestrand.

Tellefsen dismissed criticism that the protest would disrupt holiday travellers. “Easter traffic moves slowly anyway. We want sympathy from motorists, not to annoy them. We’re all in the same boat,” he said. He added that soaring diesel costs—now nearing 30 kroner per litre in some areas—push up prices for all goods.

His transport firm has already cut staff from 45 to 30 employees and sold off trucks due to rising costs. Organisers hope for a 60–70-truck convoy stretching up to three kilometres.

Parliament’s tax cut “not sufficient”

On Thursday, Norway’s parliament approved a temporary suspension of road usage fees on petrol and diesel, backed by the Conservative, Progress, Christian Democratic, and Centre parties. The move will lower diesel prices by about three kroner per litre and petrol by four kroner.

But Tellefsen called the measure inadequate. “They say business is booming—well, you’d better be in fish, oil, exports, or arms. That’s what’s doing well,” he said.

Experts warn diesel could hit 35 kroner per litre if the Middle East conflict persists. The protest, launched before the tax vote, reflects broader frustration over record fuel prices.

Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, who secured the tax cut with opposition support, now faces criticism from coalition partners. The Green Party (MDG) accused his party of “creating a huge budget hole” and demanded clarity on future cooperation.

“They can’t jump between the right-wing bloc and the red-green side on budget issues,” MDG’s Oda Ingaard told Altinget. Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg declined to comment on potential consequences for the Centre Party’s remaining policy demands.