PP proposes suspending the “green penny” to lower fuel costs in Fuerteventura
The Popular Party group in the Fuerteventura Cabildo has presented a motion for debate at the upcoming plenary session, aiming to temporarily suspend the collection of the so‑called “green cent,” a levy applied to fuel consumption on the island.
The proposal, defended by PP spokesperson Claudio Gutiérrez, seeks to amend the current fiscal ordinance to allow the suspension of this charge in exceptional circumstances, such as the present international context marked by rising fuel prices.
According to Gutiérrez, the measure is intended to relieve the economic burden on families and productive sectors.
“The collection of this tax, especially in a context of rising prices, punishes citizens and key activities such as transport, construction or the primary sector,” he said.
The motion notes that the two‑cent per litre surcharge represents a significant extra cost for certain professionals. The PP group estimates that a worker who consumes an average of 100 litres per day faces an additional expense of about €60 per month solely due to this levy.
Beyond a temporary suspension, the Popular Party proposes changes to the regulations so that the Cabildo plenary can activate such measures during economic crises or force‑majeure situations. Specifically, an initial three‑month suspension is suggested, with the possibility of extension depending on how the situation evolves.
The initiative also includes a modification stipulating that, once the levy is reinstated, the collected funds should be allocated not only to road maintenance but also to improving public passenger transport on the island.
The PP group further criticises the management of revenues obtained in previous years, pointing out that between 2015 and 2018 more than four million euros were collected without, in their view, translating into tangible improvements to road infrastructure.
The motion will be debated in the island’s plenary session, where a decision will be made on the possible implementation of these measures aimed at reducing the impact of fuel costs on the local economy.