Mickoski announces possible VAT cut on fuels
The prime minister says the government has a “clear strategy” as the Gulf crisis pushes fuel prices higher.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that the government is considering a reduction of VAT on fuels as retail prices have risen again, saying the measure is part of an overall plan. Answering a reporter's question about whether the government intends to lower VAT on petroleum products, he said: "Yes, we plan to. We have a clear strategy, a clear plan."
Plans and the regional context
Mickoski warned that, according to the government's analyses, the crisis in the Gulf and the wider Middle East is likely to last longer than previously expected — “for several more years,” he said — and that this outlook underpins the government’s preparations.
He declined to outline concrete steps at this stage, saying authorities are taking measured actions so that any relief does not undermine macroeconomic stability while still aiming to secure the cheapest possible fuel for citizens and industry. He also did not give a direct answer about ongoing talks with the fuel company OKTA over discounts at the pumps, as happened earlier.
The prime minister reiterated his assessment that North Macedonia currently offers the lowest fuel prices in the region. In his words: "Diesel fuel in North Macedonia is half a denar per liter cheaper than in Albania, 35 cents cheaper than in Serbia and 30 to 50 cents per liter cheaper than all countries in the region — Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, BiH, Montenegro, regardless of whether it's unleaded petrol or diesel."
Mickoski added that pumps in the country are also serving customers from neighbouring states. "We have enough to supply a larger consumption of oil and petroleum products — up to 50–60 percent of the pre-crisis period. And we have not introduced a ban. Several airports in the region are supplied through re-exports from North Macedonia. So, be calm," he said.
Separately, following the latest decision by the Regulatory Commission for Energy, the official retail prices have been set at 93 denars per litre for Eurosuper BS-95, 95 denars per litre for Eurosuper BS-98, and 101.5 denars per litre for diesel. Authorities also reported that from midnight the new tariffs mean petrol increased by 1.5 denars and diesel by 3.5 denars.
Photo: MIA
