Kosovo sets cap on fuel profits, Albania still without measures as prices rise

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Kosovo sets cap on fuel profits, Albania still without measures as prices rise

2026-03-04 19:54:28 / EKONOMI&SOCIALE ALFA PRESS

Kosovo sets cap on fuel profits, Albania still without measures as prices rise

Kosovo has intervened with direct measures to curb the increase in fuel prices, following a sudden increase in the domestic market as a result of new tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in Albania, fuel prices have started to increase, but the authorities have not yet taken any concrete measures to control the situation.

The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade in Kosovo, Mimoza Kusari, announced that she has signed the decision to establish maximum profit limits for the trading of petroleum products. According to this decision, the maximum allowed trade margin for wholesale sales will be up to 2 cents per liter, while for retail sales up to 12 cents per liter.

The decision comes after a rapid increase in fuel prices in Kosovo, which have increased by at least 14 cents per liter in just 24 hours. According to Minister Kusari, the measure was taken to protect consumers and guarantee fair competition in the fuel market.

Kosovo authorities have argued that the decision is based on continuous monitoring of the oil market, analysis of daily data from Kosovo Customs and reports from the Central Inspectorate for Market Surveillance. From these analyses it was concluded that the increase in import prices was immediately reflected in the selling prices in the domestic market.

Through this measure, the government aims to maintain market stability, prevent price abuses, and provide more effective protection for consumers in a period of strong fluctuations in international energy markets.

The rise in fuel prices is linked to recent tensions in the Middle East. The United States and Israel have launched a military operation in Iran, while Tehran has responded with attacks on Israel and US allies in the region. Following these developments, the price of Brent oil – the main global reference for energy markets – has increased by up to 10% in early March and analysts warn of further increases if tensions continue.

Meanwhile, in Albania, the fuel market has begun to reflect the fluctuations of international markets. In just a few days, retail prices have increased by at least 6 lek per liter at some gas stations, while traders have warned that the increase may continue in the coming days.

Despite these developments, the Albanian authorities have not yet announced measures to control trading margins or intervene in the market, while the Competition Authority has only announced market monitoring to identify any unjustified price fluctuations.

In this context, Kosovo's intervention to impose limits on traders' profits comes as a more active approach to stabilizing the market, while in Albania it remains to be seen whether the government will take similar measures if the price increase trend continues. / ekofin.al