Spain Proposes Ban on Fossil Fuel and Combustion Vehicle Advertising

Spain’s government is seeking to cut emissions by every possible means and has unveiled a bill that could fundamentally alter how fossil fuels and combustion-engine vehicles are marketed, by proposing a ban on their advertising.

Called the “Sustainable Consumption Act”, the proposal was introduced by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030. It aims to “strengthen consumer and environmental protection through measures that encourage informed and responsible consumption”.

Fossil fuel advertising in the firing line

The bill would prohibit advertising for fossil fuels, short-haul flights where a less-polluting alternative taking no more than two and a half hours is available, and vehicles powered solely by fossil fuels without any renewable component.

“The goal of this government is to encourage industry to speed up the transition to more affordable and sustainable models, so that prices fall for consumers while determined progress is also made in environmental protection.”

Pablo Bustinduy, Minister for Social Rights and Consumer Affairs

If passed, the legislation would apply only to businesses in the coal and oil sectors; the gas sector would be exempt.

Sustainable Consumption Act targets misleading practices

“This change is intended to reduce the presence of products and services based on fossil energy, such as petrol, which contribute to higher greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution,” states the ministry’s website.

Alongside these restrictions, the bill sets out measures to tackle commercial practices regarded as deceptive or harmful, including: “fear advertising” (advertising that depicts extreme or unlikely scenarios); planned obsolescence (products designed to have a shorter lifespan); greenwashing; and “shrinkflation” (where customers pay the same for less product).

Next steps for Spain’s fossil fuel advertising bill

The bill will now enter a consultation and public-hearing stage before returning to the Council of Ministers, which will then submit it to Congress for final approval.

The question is unavoidable: as combustion engines face mounting legislative pressure, will electric motors become the only final solution?