Agovernment platform for fuel subsidies remains offline after being overwhelmed by an exceptionally high volume of applications, prompting authorities to introduce a new, phased submission system.
The scheme, known as Fuel Pass III, is designed to help individuals and self-employed professionals cover fuel and transportation costs for April and May 2026. However, demand surged immediately after launch, with the system reportedly processing nearly 600 applications per minute before encountering technical strain.
New Application Process by Tax ID
To manage traffic and avoid further disruptions, officials have introduced a staggered application schedule based on the last digit of applicants’ tax identification numbers.
Under the revised system:
- On April 7, applications are open to those whose tax ID ends in 1, 2, or 3
- On April 8, those ending in 4, 5, 6, or 7 can apply
- On April 9, access is granted to those ending in 8, 9, or 0
From April 10 through April 30, the platform is expected to be fully open to all eligible applicants, regardless of tax ID.
Despite the rollout plan, the platform remains unavailable for submissions at the time of writing.
Eligibility and Financial Support
The subsidy targets tax residents with declared income below specific thresholds. Eligibility includes:
Up to €25,000 for single individuals
Up to €35,000 for married couples, with additional allowances per dependent
Higher thresholds for single-parent households
Each applicant may declare only one vehicle, which must be insured, in circulation, and free of outstanding road taxes.
Payment Options and Amounts
Beneficiaries can choose between receiving the subsidy via a digital debit card or direct bank deposit, with slightly lower amounts offered for bank transfers.
Support ranges depending on location and vehicle type:
- Up to €60 for car owners in remote or island regions via digital card
- Around €50 for most mainland car owners
- Lower amounts apply for motorcycles, starting from €30
What Applicants Should Watch For
Authorities advise applicants to ensure their bank accounts remain active throughout the program if opting for direct deposit. Additionally, those applying with leased vehicles must provide proper documentation.
The digital card, if selected, can only be used for fuel purchases or transportation services and must be used by July 31, 2026.
Source: tovima.com
