Skopje, 2 November 2021 (MIA) – The energy crisis is a global development, we are aware of its dimensions and prepared to respond and work on this. We will take actions not only through the 2022 Budget but also through the current one, because the effects of the energy crisis are already felt in our economy, said Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi on Tuesday. “There is a Government team monitoring the situation, and interventions will depend on availability of funds. It is important for citizens to know that efforts will be invested to have sufficient energy quantities and mitigate the price effects. There is still room in the Budget because only 3.8 percent of the 6.5-percent projected deficit has been realized. Solutions must be consistent and sustainable so that we successfully manage this challenge as was the case with the Covid-19 pandemic,” Besimi told reporters. He noted that the Government cut the VAT rate for household electricity from 18 to five percent even before the energy crisis. “Meanwhile, the energy crisis hit due to the post-covid effect and increased demand, more expensive electricity production because of the green agenda, and political and strategic aspects related to restricted access to natural gas at the market. The situation is expected to stabilize in the second quarter of 2022,” said Besimi. We will manage this crisis, he added, through sustainable solutions that will not disrupt market principles but support companies in mitigating the crisis effects. Asked if there is any room for the Government to give up on a portion of the gasoline and diesel fuel excise tax or some other related tax as direct support for the citizens and the economy, the FinMin said this is currently not projected in the draft-Budget but could be discussed if necessary.