Skopje, 24 March 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska said OKTA has further increased the diesel fuel discount from 2 to 3 denars per liter, i.e. it has implemented a further price drop of 1 denar, extending the measure through April 6. Bozhinovska noted that this was a concrete result of the partnership approach and ongoing coordination, with the aim of direct benefits for citizens and the economy. She added that the measures taken by the Government, including lowering fuel VAT from 18 to 10 percent, together with concrete steps by economic operators, give results as fuel prices have stabilized and price pressure has been significantly eased.

The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, she stressed, remains fully committed to monitoring the situation and is ready to take additional measures if necessary, with a single priority - a stable market and protecting citizens and the economy.

Minister Bozhinovska pointed out that the Ministry, in direct and intensive communication with the OKTA supply company, has initiated and ensured better discount terms on oil derivatives, with a clear goal to further ease price pressure on citizens and the economy.

"In parallel, by lowering VAT from 18 to 10 percent, we ensured further price drop by 6 to 7 denars per liter and prevented a price shock on the market. This is an approach that gives results in protecting the living standard and the stability of the economy with the state's active role and with joint responsibility with the private sector," said Minister Bozhinovska. 

The Ministry points out that by extending the measure through April 6, OKTA has further increased the diesel fuel discount from 2 to 3 denars per liter, providing further support for consumers and contributing to market stabilization.

"This step comes as a result of ongoing communication and coordination between the Ministry and companies, with a clear goal of providing direct relief to citizens and the economy. This is confirmation that the active role of the state gives results, and concrete benefits can be provided for citizens and the economy through partnership with companies," the Minister said.

In addition, according to her, the Government's measure of lowering fuel VAT from 18 to 10 percent plays a key role in stabilizing prices, ensuring further price drop by 6 to 7 denars per liter, and preventing an additional price shock.

"This has prevented a fuel price hike, ensuring market stability, protecting the standard of living of citizens, and easing the pressure on transport and the economy. We have prevented a price shock, stabilized the price and provided a concrete reduction for citizens," Minister Bozhinovska pointed out.

The Ministry notes that shared responsibility is required under such conditions and the positive example of further increasing the diesel fuel discount should be followed by other market participants, in order for the benefits to be fully reflected in retail prices.

In addition, says the Ministry, fuel supply is proceeding smoothly, state reserves are stable, and all competent institutions are in constant coordination, carrying out tightened controls on the market.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources