Experts propose fuel vouchers if crisis escalates
Specialists suggest vouchers for fuel as a contingency while authorities use VAT and excise cuts to ease the impact.
Domestic companies are recalculating costs as global price pressures — especially for energy commodities — push operating expenses higher. Firms report paying more for some inputs and in certain cases facing supply shortages.
Experts urge preparedness; vouchers proposed if situation worsens
Local economic experts, speaking in a measured tone, say that despite the recent price shock — most visible in energy — the country is not yet in recession. They nevertheless propose contingency measures: if the situation escalates, introduce vouchers first for fuel and, if needed, extend them to other basic products.
On international markets, the price of oil is at the moment something under 100 dollars per barrel. Domestically, authorities have so far lowered VAT on diesel and reduced excise duties to blunt the impact on consumers.
Still, the Energy Regulatory Commission (RKE) decided yesterday to increase diesel prices by 5.5 denars, while gasoline prices were reduced by 1.5 denars.
Both domestic and international experts hope that stock markets will calm after an upcoming meeting of major leaders addressing the technological confrontation between the United States and China. Meanwhile, policy-makers are modelling which additional measures could be deployed if needed.
From Ohrid, Irena Chachkova filed this report.
Photo: press material from the event
