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Fuel purchase cross border B/Lux

Question

I'm getting conflicting advice on the legalities of buying my fuel in Lux as a Belgian resident.

Do you have a definitive answer?

anon

Simply - If you are an EU citizen or long term EU/Schengen resident and travelling by car, then yes.

https://covid19.public.lu/

Mar 16, 2021 13:17
becasse

There is a temporary problem in that most Belgian residents are not allowed to cross the border into the Grand Duchy other than for specified "essential" purposes. Buying fuel isn't one of them.

I presume, though, that it is still possible to purchase fuel at GDL prices at Martelange since one doesn't need to traverse any stretch of road in the GDL to do so - however, I haven't tried to do so since the new restrictions started.

Incidentally, GDL prices rose by € 0,05 per litre at the beginning of the year. That still leaves them markedly lower than typical Belgian ones but reduces the effective hinterland from which a specific refuelling journey may be worthwhile.

Mar 16, 2021 13:33
Rover

Thanks for that.

I should have been more specific - sorry.

I meant the question as in normal circumstances outside of the Covid episode.

Perhaps I should have worded it:
What are legalities, in ordinary times outside of the Covid issue, of buying my fuel in Lux as a Belgian resident who lives near the border. Can I go to Lux to fill up?

Thanks.

Mar 16, 2021 13:36
becasse

If you live anywhere near the GDL border you will find that almost all of your neighbours will buy fuel there, at least when they need to travel in that direction. They aren't canny Belgians for no purpose. I have even seen Belgian police cars refuelling at stations close to the border!

What you cannot do is to set up a shell company in the GDL and then register your car to it, any such company has to actually trade to an extent that would make you "company car" legitimate in order to avoid the unwelcome attention of the Belgian fisc.

Mar 16, 2021 13:50
anon

@ Rover "What are legalities, in ordinary times outside of the Covid issue, of buying my fuel in Lux as a Belgian resident who lives near the border. Can I go to Lux to fill up?"

I'm not really sure what legalities you are concerned about. You are allowed to fill up with fuel anywhere you want. You can drive to France, or Holland or Germany, or anywhere else for that matter if you want to.

What is it that you are confused about?

Mar 16, 2021 14:46
kasseistamper

Ask yourself the question in reverse.
Post covid, if I drive back to the UK for a family visit, will I have to return to Belgium every time I need to refuel?

Mar 16, 2021 17:28
wezembeekwanderer

Buy your fuel anywhere. And while in GDL, stock up with coffee and fags. That’s what everyone seems to fill their trolley with.

Mar 17, 2021 06:52
Emille B.

Check the liqour prices in GDL , your favourite brand might be cheaper also.
Be aware of the limits of alcohol and tabaco you can transport tax free... GDL wines are cheap and tasty but some are rather sweet.

Mar 23, 2021 17:25