TIRANA, March 22 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Albanian government has introduced a set of measures to address rising fuel prices, including tighter market oversight and temporary tax relief, while aiming to shield vulnerable groups such as pensioners.
Speaking on his Let’s Talk podcast, the government head attributed the recent increase in fuel prices to global supply disruptions linked to broader geopolitical developments.
He said a joint taskforce involving the economy and finance ministries has been established to intensify market monitoring and prevent abuses. While no major violations have been identified so far, authorities have decided to reintroduce the fuel price transparency board following another price spike.
Rama also highlighted a temporary reduction in fuel excise by around 20% as a key step to ease pressure on consumers.
He added that any additional state revenue generated from higher fuel prices, after the excise cut, would be directed primarily toward supporting pensioners.
“The priority is to protect pensioners. Any extra income collected by the state will go toward that purpose,” Rama said.
The government is also preparing legislation on strategic fuel reserves, currently under public consultation, and plans further interventions to improve price stability and transparency in the fuel market.
According to Rama, the measures will also target tax evasion and fuel smuggling by introducing stricter controls and greater oversight of supply chains.
He said the broader reform effort, launched prior to the current crisis, aims to establish a stronger state role in the market to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers.
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