The European Commission has approved a €402 million Spanish State aid scheme to support road transport companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

Spain notified to the Commission a €402 million scheme to support companies active in the road transport sector. The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis.

The aid will take the form of direct grants. For beneficiaries who are eligible under an existing diesel tax refund scheme for professionals, the aid can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis incurred between 1 March and 30 June 2026. For beneficiaries who are not eligible under that tax refund scheme, the aid can either be capped at €50,000 per company or cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs incurred between 1 March and 31 December 2026.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.2 of the METSAF.

The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget, and aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the road transport sector. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Spanish scheme under EU State aid rules.