Skopje, 12 March 2026 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday the country has plenty of fuel, pointing out record-high sales caused by neighbors crossing the border for cheaper gas.

In an interview with Ora24 TV, Mickoski said the country recorded its highest fuel consumption in history Monday as neighbors from Albania, Serbia and Greece crossed the border to take advantage of significantly lower prices.

"Macedonian citizens have the lowest energy prices in the region," he said. He noted that diesel currently costs about EUR 1.39 per liter, compared to EUR 1.79 in Albania, EUR 1.73 in Serbia and EUR 1.59 in Greece.

The prime minister said his government contributed to regional stability whereas the previous government had to rely on neighboring countries for vaccines, referencing the country's past reliance on donated COVID-19 shots.

"This government manages to provide sufficient quantities for neighboring countries as well," he said. 

"Unlike before, when we were kneling for vaccines, cheered and made a show at the border when they brought us 5,000 vaccines — when Macedonian citizens got vaccinated in the neighborhood because the authorities here failed to provide them with vaccines — this government is pursuing a different policy, generating stability in the region and helping neighbors when they are in trouble."

While the country is supporting regional demand, Mickoski said the government’s primary priority remained its own citizens, who he said "should not worry" about fuel shortages. mr/