TIRANA, March 24/ATA/ Chairman of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha stated today that the DP has a plan to relieve the financial burden on oil consumers.
Speaking in a press conference, Berisha listed some of the reasons that, according to him, make Albania have the highest oil price compared to the countries in the region.
“Heavy taxation, smuggling, and limited supply from private reserves are the main drivers behind high oil prices. Fuel prices in this country are nearly 30 percent higher than in the EU, driven by a combination of high taxes, systemic smuggling that accounts for half of all consumption, and excessive storage duties, which burden all citizens, not just drivers,” said Berisha.
According to him, “High oil prices act as a hidden tax on everyone, driving up food costs because transportation expenses are passed on to the consumer.”
” Surging oil prices are driving up agricultural input costs, leaving many farmers struggling to afford cultivation,” he added.
Berisha also said that the soaring oil prices are driving up feed costs, significantly pressuring the livestock sector’s margins.
Berisha stressed that reducing excise duty when oil exceeds 220 lekë per liter is an irresponsible act and a great disregard for Albanian citizens.
“The DP has ready a program to reduce the fiscal burden on oil to the levels of North Macedonia and Kosovo, making oil 60% cheaper than in Albania. This package directly tackles the high taxes that make Albanian fuel among the most expensive in the region. We have already presented it to the Albanians; and I assure the Albanians that it will become a reality as soon as the Democratic Party comes to power,” Berisha said. /m.m/a.f/p.s./
