Skopje, 8 March 2026 (MIA) - The world has entered a period of new conflicts and geopolitical turbulence. Energy markets are sensitive, dynamic, and changing by the hour. Economies are under severe pressure. The stability of many countries is being tested. In such times, states must be careful, serious and responsible,” Prime Minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski said. He noted that as a government they are conducting analyses and taking measures and will not allow the situation to deteriorate seriously. “My goal,” said Mickoski, “is to have the cheapest gasoline in the region.”

“As a government, we are committed to two key matters. First, conducting analyses and taking measures for the crisis triggered by global developments in the Middle East. We will not let the situation seriously worsen and will act accordingly. My objective is to maintain the lowest gasoline prices in the region, even though reality indicates some increase is inevitable. I will ensure our citizens pay less than anyone else in the region. This was exactly the reason for the meeting with oil industry representatives,” Mickoski said.

“My goal,” he emphasized, “is to have the cheapest energy sources in the region, despite the reality that prices must increase.”

“Look at the prices in neighboring countries. They are forty, fifty, sixty percent higher than what Macedonian citizens pay today, yet no one from the opposition will admit this to anyone. These were the same people who failed to provide vaccines for Macedonian citizens, so during the height of the crisis, citizens had to go to neighboring countries to get vaccinated. Or we staged a theatrical show at the border, where we received a modest donation of just 5,000 vaccines. Today, no one can say that compared to those countries in the region, our energy prices are fifty or sixty denars per liter lower. But I will continue to fight to ensure our citizens pay less than elsewhere in the region,” he said.

At today’s press conference, he noted that the State Market Inspectorate is on the ground following complaints from citizens about some gas stations limiting diesel sales, but he stressed that the supply of oil and petroleum products in the country remains stable.

He noted that such occurrences are most often observed in border municipalities, where increased pressure arises due to significantly higher fuel prices in neighboring countries.

Mickoski noted that, based on information from the State Market Inspectorate, fuel supplies to citizens and businesses are uninterrupted across the country.

“According to the information I received from the State Market Inspectorate, citizens and businesses across the country are being continuously supplied with oil and petroleum products,” he stressed.

Mickoski emphasized that the state reserves are sufficient for an extended period and that the country’s energy situation is stable.

“The state reserves can cover daily consumption for more than 62 days, so I would say the supply is more than excellent. When we began restarting the oil pipeline with our southern neighbor, it seemed strange and impossible to many, but it has passed all tests and we can now use this asset. We can even make it available to our neighbors for their needs. Macedonia currently has a stable energy situation and citizens pay the lowest prices for oil and petroleum products,” Mickoski added.

Photo: MIA