ISTANBUL

Norway's parliament has approved a series of temporary cuts to gasoline and diesel taxes, overriding the government after hours of debate, in a move expected to cost billions of kroner and intensify political tensions.

The decision, backed by a coalition of opposition parties and the Center Party, introduces measures, including a temporary reduction in road tolls from April 1 to Sept. 1 and cuts to CO2-related fuel taxes across several sectors, Norwegian daily VG reported.

The total cost of the package is estimated at around 6.7 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $630 million).

Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg said the government would comply with the parliamentary decision despite opposing the measures.

“We will implement what the majority has decided. That is what popular rule and democracy are,” Stoltenberg told reporters following the vote.

However, he warned against the economic implications of the cuts, stressing that the government “did not want this approach and believes it is not wise to rush to process such large sums.”

The measures include reductions in fuel taxes for industries such as construction, shipping, and fisheries, as well as broader relief for motorists. Supporters argue the move is necessary to ease the burden on households and businesses amid rising costs.

Center Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum defended the decision, saying: “We have to deal with the reality that is outside the Storting. It is now so tough for people who depend on cars… which is why we had to take action now.”

The vote has also exposed fractures within Norway’s governing coalition. Critics, including members of the Green Party, accused lawmakers of undermining climate commitments and breaching budget agreements.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store warned of potential economic consequences, saying the move “can make matters worse and contribute to increasing price growth and the risk of higher interest rates.”