Skopje, 7 April 2026 (MIA) - The corrections made by the Government, the initial measures for the reduction of VAT on fuel from 18 to 10 percent, as well as the opportunity to reduce excise duties have prevented inflation from being twice as high as in March, which is expected to be between 4.5 and 5 percent, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told journalists on Tuesday. The PM said the Government would introduce new measures after Easter targeting certain groups of citizens and products.

“With the corrections we made and the initial measures for the reduction of VAT and the opportunity to reduce excise duties, we have halved the chances for inflation to be twice as high as expected. Based on our calculations, we expect inflation to move between four and a half and five percent in March,” Mickoski said.

The Prime Minister said the Government must make smart and wise decisions, instead of making decisions under pressure, adding that no one knows how long the crisis will last.

“We must prepare for a longer period and be happy if it ends sooner,” Mickoski said.

He said the Government would discuss regular issues at Tuesday’s session, and make a decision on new measures after Easter.

“The next measures would be more targeted to certain groups of citizens and certain products. I am referring mainly to basic food products. These measures would be combined with the reduction of VAT as well as with caps on profit margins,” Mickoski said. 

Photo: MIA