Energy crisis in North Macedonia to be extended for six months

The Government announced it will extend the national energy crisis for another six months, a move that postpones the current deadline of October 21. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said signs of a possible de‑escalation exist, but the authorities cannot rely on those hopes when deciding on public policy.

“We will extend it for another six months. We have some indications that de‑escalation of the situation may come, but all that does not stop us from ending it if we can. God willing, de‑escalation and calming of the situation will come. But we will extend the state of crisis for another six months, I think until April,” Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said.

Markets and fuel prices

Global tensions in the Middle East have unsettled world markets and pushed energy prices higher. International oil benchmarks closed the week near $105 per barrel, keeping pressure on domestic fuel costs.

At home the government has already acted with a temporary cut in fuel excise and a reduced VAT applied only to diesel; that measure was extended for about ten days. Regulators will monitor the market and are expected to decide on any fuel price adjustments starting Monday.

No new relief measures have been announced. Officials say there has been no discussion of additional steps for now, and the available fiscal room to intervene further is limited.

The fiscal picture has been adjusted to reflect the external shock: the state prepared a second budget rebalance and took on new borrowing of €150 million. Revenues and expenditures were trimmed, and authorities say a further end‑of‑year review and reallocation of funds is possible.

Photo: press material from the event