Skopje, 24 March 2026 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Tuesday that the country has plenty of fuel and will not limit sales, despite drivers from neighboring nations crossing the border to take advantage of lower prices.

Speaking after a roundtable at the Constitutional Court, Mickoski said total fuel consumption has risen by about 10%. He said this was due to drivers from Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Greece filling up at local gas stations, where fuel can be as much as half a euro cent per liter cheaper than in their home countries.

Mickoski assured the public that the nation’s energy infrastructure was stable and prepared for the increased demand. 

He said the regional oil pipeline was fully operational and pressurized, providing an essential layer of energy security.

He said national fuel reserves were currently maintained at a 60-day supply, in accordance with the law.

Also, he said, several airports from the region were currently being supplied with kerosene from the domestic OKTA refinery.

According to the PM, unlike previous years, the country is not "kneeling and begging" for help; instead, it is a source of regional stability.

"Of course, there are and will be challenges. And we will solve those challenges," Mickoski said.

"But most importantly, our priority is to ensure our citizens and businesses have the lowest fuel prices in the region," he said.

While electricity needs are being met, the government is considering tapping into state reserves of heavy fuel oil to support power production, Mickoski said in response to a reporter's question.

The prime minister pointed out that about 3,000 tons of heavy fuel oil, originally earmarked for use during last year’s energy crisis, were never fully withdrawn. The government may revisit that decision to use those specific quantities before making new plans, he said.

He added that the state-owned power utility Power Plants of North Macedonia was producing enough electricity to cover all domestic needs and was even selling surplus power at night to generate extra revenue. mr/

Фото: МИА