Excises on imported cars hasn't increased

The excises on imported vehicles hasn't increased, despite some expectations, and this represents one of the major amendments of the 2012 Budget and Fiscal Policy, stated Veaceslav Ionita, head of the Parliament's economy commission. He explained the excises won't rise as the Government initially suggested, but will only be indexed to inflation. According to Ionita, had the excises risen, this would have mainly affected the population. “This is why we needed to find a solution. Excises haven't increased more than what the rules on inflation prescribe, that is, 2 or 3 cents, which is almost nothing”, said Ionita after the Parliament's meeting on Tuesday. Veceaslav Ionita said that liquefied gas will also be subject to excises. It was established that carriers will pay 1,800 lei per tonne. This, however, will not affect domestic consumers. Concerning the potential introduction of a tax on car owners, Ionita said this is a prerogative of the local authorities. He added that revenues to the State Budget will also rise due to higher excises on tobacco and alcohol. The 2012 Budget and Fiscal Policy was adopted on December 23.