Diesel Prices Soar, Some Estonians Switch to Cooking Oil as Fuel

Central News Agency (CNA) reporter You Yao-ru, Vilnius, April 14th. Due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, global diesel prices continue to rise, leading some Estonian citizens to try using edible vegetable oil as vehicle fuel to reduce commuting costs. The Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) reported on the 13th that the current market price for cooking oil in Estonia is less than 1 euro per liter (approximately 37 New Taiwan Dollars), while diesel prices have exceeded 2 euros per liter (approximately 74 New Taiwan Dollars). The significant price difference has prompted some Estonians to switch to cooking oil instead of diesel. The report indicates that this trend is mainly seen among owners of older diesel engines, as their simpler engine structure allows them to run on vegetable oil to some extent. According to the report, a car owner named Karlo stated that he occasionally uses regular cooking oil in his 1997 Volkswagen van. He noted that this method only works for older models and still requires mixing with some diesel, otherwise it might be difficult to start in low temperatures. Karlo has driven approximately 2,000 kilometers using cooking oil this season and reported no issues so far. He also mentioned that using cooking oil not only reduces costs but also lessens the pungent smell of traditional diesel, feeling 'like driving in a bakery'. A public relations representative for the local Estonian supermarket chain Selver stated that the company has indeed seen a significant increase in refined cooking oil sales recently, but could not confirm the consumers' purpose of purchase. On the other hand, the report cited officials from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, reminding the public that whether it's rapeseed oil or other cooking oils, if used as vehicle fuel, they must be declared and taxed at the diesel tax rate.