Israel Fuel Prices Surge to 7.85 Shekels Per Liter

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed a new order reducing the excise tax, also known as the "blue" tax, by only 50 agorot per liter instead of the previous one-shekel discount. This partial tax break will remain in effect for 26 days until the end of November. Without this intervention, gasoline prices would have climbed to 8.35 shekels per liter. The temporary tax relief is estimated to cost the state 136 million shekels in lost revenue, and future prices will depend on subsequent tax decisions, international markets, and the dollar exchange rate.

The price hike has caused frustration among drivers, particularly taxi drivers in Nazareth who rely on their vehicles for daily work. Meanwhile, the National Council for Planning and Construction has approved amendments to the Amal-18 master plan to expand electric vehicle infrastructure. The new regulations will allow gas stations with at least five fast-charging points to build up to 100 square meters of additional technical space for transformers and electrical equipment, and will permit charging facilities within highway interchanges.