Former NHL star Žigmund Pálffy (54), who in the past attracted attention mainly with sports performances and stormy privacy, surprised the public. The newspaper noticed that in a video on the social network criticized the state for high fuel prices and the way it handles taxpayers’ money. The surprising thing is that even a person who has earned tens of millions from hockey does not hide his frustration.
In the video, the hockey legend comments on gas station prices without a napkin. In his own words, Pálffy used artificial intelligence to find out what part of the fuel price is absorbed by state taxes and fees. In his message, he then asked a public question.
“I greet everyone in Slovakia. I just refueled, 120 € full tank and now I threw it in AI (artificial intelligence), 60 to 70 percent is taken by the state. And now someone tell me that the state is not to blame?” laughed Pálffy. “Someone just tell me where the money actually goes, the 60-70% of the state. Because I never see it. Thank you and have a nice day,” he added.
Former elite forward of the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins during his career grossed around $41 million. For the vast majority of Slovaks, he thus represents a person who does not have to solve everyday financial problems.
However, according to many, his step accurately reflects the current mood in society. If even a multi-millionaire and one of the most successful Slovak athletes in history is pondering over the economic situation, fuel prices and high levies, it is obvious that economic frustration affects practically everyone.
The price of diesel in SR fell at the beginning of the week, it is still the most expensive in V4
Fuel prices fell on Monday (May 11), but are still higher than in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. According to Eurostat data, at the beginning of the week Slovaks filled up with diesel for 1.77 euros per liter, which is eight cents less than a week ago. Gasoline became cheaper by one cent to 1.76 euros per liter. Finax economist Patrik Kindl drew attention to this.
“Behind the decline is the stabilization of the situation on the oil markets in connection with the negotiations around the Iranian conflict. Brent oil continues to trade above the $100 per barrel (159 liters) mark – currently at the level of $106 (90.48 euros). Despite the ongoing negotiations, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense and it is not possible to expect a significant improvement in the foreseeable future. said Kindle.
Motorists in the surrounding countries refuel the cheapest Poland (petrol 1.49 euros/l, diesel 1.62 euros/l), Hungary (petrol 1.68 euros/l, diesel 1.75 euros/l) and the Czech Republic (petrol 1.75 euros/l, diesel 1.75 euros/l). In Austria, on the contrary, they pay 1.80 euros per liter of gasoline and 1.91 euros per liter of diesel. According to data from the Statistical Office, year-on-year inflation increased to 3.9% this month. If high oil prices were to continue at current levels, it would have negative economic consequences, according to Kindle.
