Skopje, 7 March 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski assured citizens that oil and fuel supplies are sufficient and that the government would act immediately in the event of a sharp price rise.

Speaking to reporters after the laying of the cornerstone at the new Mother Teresa University campus, Mickoski stressed that he would not comment on the Energy Regulatory Commission’s decisions, noting that the body is independent and operates according to its methodology.

“We held a meeting with the major distributors of oil and petroleum products. The joint conclusion was that there is sufficient supply. Citizens should rest assured, as fuel prices in our country are dramatically lower than in neighboring states. If a liter costs 120 denars in Serbia, it is 70 here, and the same applies compared to Kosovo and Albania. Once again, as a government, we are showing that citizens’ living standards come first. If there is a dramatic spike in oil and fuel prices, the government will intervene immediately, as early as Tuesday at the regular cabinet session. We have several options, whether to reduce excise duties or VAT, but we will absolutely defend what is in our interest, which is the standard of living of the citizens,” Mickoski noted.

According to him, inflation and living costs in January stood at 3.1 percent, but he expects these figures to stabilize in February and drop below three percent.

“It is positive that the authors of the so-called minimum union basket publicly admitted that the public was misled, and that it is not a minimum but an average basket compiled by the union. After several months, the public has seen through these political manipulations. We will use all the tools at our disposal through the State Market Inspectorate and the Commission for Protection of Competition. We are also amending the law, increasing fines ten to twentyfold. Any unfair or deviant behavior by markets will be punished as strictly and severely as possible. Regarding energy price increases, even in the most difficult times when we came to government, we did not raise energy prices, including electricity. Some opposition parties, on one hand, claim to defend citizens’ interests, while on the other hand, they criticize the government for selling electricity to suppliers at such low prices. These are hypocritical policies based on double standards,” Mickoski said.

Mickoski acknowledged information about possible restrictions on fuel sales at certain gas stations after 10 pm, noting that inspectors are continuously monitoring the situation.

“We received such information. The State Market Inspectorate is actively monitoring the situation, and any irregular behavior will be punished in accordance with the law. As a government, we are fully committed to defending the citizens, who are our top priority, and we have been doing so for nearly two years,” Mickoski said.

Mickoski said that state reserves are sufficient for approximately 62 days of daily oil and fuel consumption. “This is not an issue, as reserves are at the highest level in history under the law, and there is a methodology in place to reach 90 days,” he added.

Asked whether he is concerned about a new inflationary shock due to the war in the Middle East, Prime Minister Mickoski said the government is closely monitoring the situation and will intervene if necessary.

“The possibility of new inflation exists if the Gulf crisis continues, and it is absolutely on the table. We are responding according to developments. We are not a political team that seeks to spread fear, rather, we are a government that anticipates challenges, offers solutions, and strives to create a different atmosphere in society,” Mickoski noted.

Photo: MIA