Parliament extends state of crisis for oil until 20 April 2027; reduced diesel VAT extended to 20 October

The Parliament of North Macedonia voted to extend the state of crisis for oil and petroleum products until 20 April 2027, approving the measure with 70 votes in favor and no votes against or abstentions.

Government cites ongoing risks to supply

In the explanatory note submitted to Parliament, the Government said the reasons for declaring the crisis remain unchanged because the risks and threats to stable supply have not yet been overcome. The extension continues a measure first approved on 20 July this year, whose validity expires tomorrow.

At the beginning of this month the Risk and Hazard Assessment Group reviewed the supply situation for strategic energy sources. Citing ongoing threats of market disruptions and possible obstacles or blockades to imports of oil and petroleum products, the Group recommended that the Management Committee forward a proposal to Parliament to extend the crisis declaration to protect supplies for the population.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski had announced about ten days ago that the crisis status would be extended for another six months. He added that if conditions on international markets calm and supply risks ease, the government will lift the crisis status.

Parliament has already extended the crisis twice since it was introduced following events in the Middle East that disrupted international oil and fuel markets. The current prolongation is intended to allow the Government to coordinate responses and implement measures to ensure secure energy supplies.

Separately, the reduction of VAT on diesel from 18% to 10% — a measure intended to influence retail fuel prices and ease external price pressures — also expires tomorrow. The government has extended the reduced VAT for diesel until 20 October.

Photo: press material from the event