Skopje, 22 March 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski assures that the country is fully prepared to mitigate the impact of the fuel price surge as a result of the war in the Middle East. Mickoski, who announced at a press conference on Sunday that the Government has decided to slash fuel VAT, stressed that there are no issues in terms of supply, noting that suppliers and the state have the necessary supplies, and there is no need at this time to implement restrictions for citizens from neighboring countries who purchase fuel here. However, he noted, there are risks and the Government is here to anticipate and resolve them.

"If we had declared a state of crisis for excise taxes, it would have been insufficient and we decided to intervene directly from the Budget and lower prices by approximately 6.5 to 7 denars per liter," Mickoski said in response to a reporter's question on whether the legal threshold for declaring a state of crisis in order to reduce excise taxes had been met.

He pointed out that the possibility remains, adding that the situation on world stock markets, across the Gulf and the war in Iran will be monitored and appropriate response will follow.

"The Government is taking a step in protecting the standard, by lowering the VAT, we are helping directly from the Budget to prevent an increase in the price of gasoline and diesel. Thus, once again we definitely have the lowest fuel prices in the region. There is pressure from neighboring countries, up to 150,000 liters per day, which is not a small amount, it is approximately nine-ten percent of total consumption. The electricity situation is stable, so at this time I can say that the situation is completely stable, but there are challenges that we anticipate, prevent and intercept so that scenarios that happened in the past do not occur again," said PM Mickoski.

He said all major suppliers have said they have absolutely no issues with supply, but, he noted, there are risks of course and that is why the Government will keep a close watch and anticipate all risks.  

In terms of the energy sector, he said the gas situation is stable and quantities are provided until April, after which the heating season ends and consumption drops.

"That is why I say at this time absolutely everything is anticipated. Therefore, at this time we see no reason as a Government to limit the use of our resources by citizens from neighboring countries," Mickoski pointed out.

The PM added that unlike in the past, when a donation of 5,000 vaccines was a show, citizens from neighboring countries are purchasing fuel here now because that is how they save money and protect their standard of living in their countries. "The Macedonia that was once on its knees to receive a donation now reflects stability and is a factor of security for the citizens of neighboring countries. If such a challenge comes, a decision will be made that will restrict the consumption and the amount. Finally, our pipeline is operational and we have quantities of oil and oil derivatives there, so we are secured in all aspects at this this. There are risks, but we are here to anticipate and resolve them," PM Mickoski pointed out.

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