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There Were Supposed to Be Revenues, the Tax Never Came Into Force. Norway Withdraws Controversial Fee
Entrepreneurs call for negotiations with the authorities. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa
The Norwegian government is suspending the introduction of a new CO2 fee just two days after it came into effect. The decision was made after a parliamentary majority announced a freeze on the regulations.
The new climate fee came into force on March 1. It covered selected industrial plants using gas. On March 3, the government announced its postponement. The Ministry of Finance stated that the changes will not come into effect at least until July 1, 2026.
Political Reversal After Two Days
On February 27, the government announced that from March 1, companies such as porcelain manufacturer Figgjo would be subject to the CO2 fee. Two days later, the decision was reversed. The Ministry of Finance stated that the implementation is postponed. Additional information will be provided later.
Bjørn Arild Gram from the Centre Party said the government was forced to change its position. He indicated that the issue would return during work on the revised budget. The Centre Party, Conservative Party, Progress Party, and Christian Democratic Party agreed on a joint proposal. It assumes the suspension of the fee and further analysis of its effects.
Bjørn Arild Gram from the Centre Party said the government was forced to change its position. He indicated that the issue would return during work on the revised budget. The Centre Party, Conservative Party, Progress Party, and Christian Democratic Party agreed on a joint proposal. It assumes the suspension of the fee and further analysis of its effects.
An increase in expenses would halt investment plans.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Industry Concerns About Costs and Competitiveness
The original plan assumed that the chemical industry and other plants would pay a quarter of the standard rate. The fee was to gradually increase to the full level over three years. Figgjo reported that in the first year, the cost would be NOK 550,000 with a 75% reduction. By 2030, the amount would rise to NOK 3.3 million.
The company has annual revenues of NOK 100 million. Profit ranges from NOK 3 to 8 million per year. Company representatives pointed to a significant impact of the fee on financial results. After the postponement decision, the management assessed it as good news and announced they would await further dialogue with the authorities.
The industry organization Norsk Industri reported that the fee would also cover the Ålgård Offset printing house, parts manufacturer Benteler, recycling company Metallco, and metals producer Speira. Ålgård Offset estimated the cost at NOK 300,000 in the first year. By 2035, total expenses for gas and energy, including the fee, would rise from NOK 3.5 million to NOK 9.5 million. The company indicated that the increase in costs would limit investment opportunities.
The company has annual revenues of NOK 100 million. Profit ranges from NOK 3 to 8 million per year. Company representatives pointed to a significant impact of the fee on financial results. After the postponement decision, the management assessed it as good news and announced they would await further dialogue with the authorities.
The industry organization Norsk Industri reported that the fee would also cover the Ålgård Offset printing house, parts manufacturer Benteler, recycling company Metallco, and metals producer Speira. Ålgård Offset estimated the cost at NOK 300,000 in the first year. By 2035, total expenses for gas and energy, including the fee, would rise from NOK 3.5 million to NOK 9.5 million. The company indicated that the increase in costs would limit investment opportunities.
After the announcement of the suspension, representatives of companies and industry organizations expressed relief. Politicians from the Conservative Party and Progress Party declared that they expect the fee to be completely withdrawn as part of work on the revised budget. The issue will be subject to further negotiations in the Storting, where a formal motion was submitted not to introduce the regulations before reconsidering their effects.
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