Sweden eyes cheaper public transport over Middle East energy shock

The Swedish government is preparing to announce plans to significantly reduce public transport fares as part of efforts to address the energy crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Aftonbladet reports.

Under the proposed measure, the cost of monthly public transport passes could be cut by approximately 50% between July and December. The government is expected to allocate around 7 billion Swedish kronor (approximately €700 million) to finance the initiative.

Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson said the move is intended to encourage people to rely more on public transportation instead of private vehicles wherever possible.

The proposed fare reductions follow the government’s earlier announcement of a 17.5 billion kronor (around €1.7 billion) support package aimed at lowering gasoline and diesel prices. Swedish authorities have linked both measures to rising energy costs driven by developments in the Middle East.

The opposition Social Democrats criticized the proposal, describing the government’s actions as “desperate” and highlighting that the current administration had previously opposed reducing public transport fares.

By Vafa Guliyeva