National Council raises alarm over petrol station closures
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Councillors have warned that Monaco's shrinking number of petrol stations could mean longer journeys and worse congestion for motorists.
The permanent closure of the Esso station has pushed National Council members to raise the issue during discussions on the 2026 amending budget, with concerns centring on what further closures could mean for drivers across the Principality.
Councillors warned that a reduced network of fuel stations risks longer journeys for residents, more congestion on already stretched roads, and the possibility of higher prices as competition thins out. For a territory as compact as Monaco, where few stations serve a dense resident and commuter population, each closure has an outsized effect on daily routines.
The discussion forms part of wider budget negotiations, though no concrete measures have yet been announced to address the shrinking network. Motorists and fleet operators in Monaco will be watching closely to see whether the government proposes incentives or protections to keep remaining stations in operation.