Finland’s diesel tax debate: what does the vehicle tax really mean for the average driver?

Hi neighbour! Fed up with sky-high fuel prices and yet another tax hike? Well, there's talk that the government might finally be ready to act – not to bring down the cost of petrol, mind you, but at least to scrap one rather unpopular tax. The National Coalition Party recently floated the idea of abolishing the diesel tax. And it's got people talking, especially those who spend their working lives on the road.

But hang on – what exactly is this 'propulsion tax' (käyttövoimavero)? It's the levy that applies to every diesel car owner, and increasingly to hybrid drivers too. It's paid annually as part of your vehicle tax and is calculated based on what powers your car – diesel, electricity, gas or ethanol. For many, it's the biggest bone of contention when it comes to motoring taxes. It hits hardest if you do high mileage, and it's precisely this tax that the National Coalition Party now wants to ditch.

Political manoeuvres: National Coalition Party proposes, Ovaska chimes in

The National Coalition Party is pushing ahead with the idea, suggesting the entire diesel tax be scrapped. That would come as a major relief to high-mileage drivers – from hauliers to long-distance commuters. And when the National Coalition Party talks, people listen. MP (and former Centre Party member) Ovaska, for instance, has welcomed the proposal, taking to social media to urge Finance Minister Purra and MP Ranne to take it seriously. In his view, it's high time to ease the tax burden on ordinary folk.

What do you reckon? Here are a few takes:

• Hauliers: "At last! This would make a real difference to our transport firms. Every euro counts for us."
• Average diesel driver: "It would definitely save me a few hundred quid a year not having to pay that propulsion tax. Especially with fuel costs already through the roof."
• Environmental groups: "Hello? Favouritism for diesel undermines the entire push for electric vehicles. The whole point of the propulsion tax was to steer people towards cleaner options – now that message is completely lost."
• The Treasury: "If one revenue stream dries up, where does the money come from? Road maintenance? Health and social care? Something's got to give."

So, what should we make of all this?

The truth is, the government rakes in hundreds of millions of euros a year from the diesel tax and propulsion tax. If they're scrapped, that money has to come from somewhere. Politicians will have to figure out if that's possible without hiking other taxes or cutting services. But the man on the street is now waiting to see if the government will actually do something to ease the burden on drivers. Because this affects nearly all of us – even if you don't drive yourself, those are the lorries bringing food to your local shops.

Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be just electioneering. There's a real sense of anticipation that Purra and Ranne might just run with this and start drawing up a proposal. After all, we already have the most expensive motoring taxes in Europe – wouldn't a bit of relief be welcome? We'll be keeping an eye on things – fingers crossed that common sense prevails this time.