Czech Republic caps fuel prices, taxes refiners' margins amid Hormuz closure

The Czech government will cap gasoline and diesel prices from October 1 and tax refiners on 50% of margin increases over 2025 levels, responding to supply pressure from Saudi Arabia's reduced crude allocations to Europe and the closed Strait of Hormuz. The policy targets Orlen Unipetrol's windfall margins, marking a direct state intervention in fuel markets. The measure's impact on supply and prices is uncertain, but it signals growing European government responses to energy supply disruptions.