(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 13 - Slovenian Energy Minister Bojan Kumer announced on Thursday that Slovenia will gradually release its oil derivative reserves. The decision comes after several days of reports that some petrol stations near the border have run out of fuel. Slovenia has one of the lowest fuel and diesel prices in Europe, thanks to a price cap set by the government every two weeks. This week, Ljubljana also reduced excise duties to help offset the rise in global oil prices. Until March 23, the price of regular petrol in Slovenia is EUR 1.466 per litre, diesel EUR 1.528, and heating oil EUR 1.159. Prices are much lower than in some neighbouring countries. This has resulted in increased demand from abroad, particularly from Austria, with some petrol stations running out of certain fuels after many Austrian drivers chose to purchase cheaper fuels in Slovenia last week, according to local media. The phenomenon is, however, very limited when it comes to drivers from Italy. The fuel subsidies available to residents of Friuli-Venezia Giulia still make it competitive to fill up in Italy when it comes to gasoline, especially for those living near the border, though less so for diesel. In fact, along the border between Italy and Slovenia, the situation is business as usual, with no lines. The reserves will be released gradually to allow for a better supply of fuel at the petrol station, which is in high demand, Kumer said in a press statement, according to Slovenian news agency STA. Kumer emphasised that Slovenia has sufficient fuel, both in strategic reserves and in retail fuel terminals. However, bottlenecks have developed in the supply of some petrol stations, particularly along borders, he added, quoted by STA. The gradual release of reserves should help to resolve the logistical issues that have arisen in recent days. (ANSA).