In his address to Parliament, Malaj presented the historical background of the matter, emphasizing the necessity of distinguishing between political assertions and the juridical and institutional process pursued by the Albanian administration. According to the Minister, in June 2004 a hydrocarbons agreement was signed for the exploitation of the Patos‑Marinzë oilfield by the company now operating under the name Bankers Petroleum Albania.”

Malaj explained that the hydrocarbons agreement provided for a series of fiscal concessions, including exemption from excise duties on energy products employed in the process of crude oil extraction. He further stated that such exemptions remained effective until 1 April 2014, when amendments to the fiscal package abrogated the excise duty exemption for these products.

In September 2014, the Customs Administration notified the company of an unpaid excise duty obligation relating to the diluent used in hydrocarbon processing. The initial assessment amounted to ALL 589 million. Minister Malaj explained that the company contested this administrative act before the courts, thereby initiating judicial proceedings that extended for nearly ten years and concluded in March 2022 with a decision of the High Court rendered in favor of the Customs Administration.

Minister Malaj stated that in May 2019 the Customs Administration conducted an additional inspection, which resulted in the assessment of a supplementary excise duty obligation amounting to ALL 3.09 billion. He further clarified that, together with the applicable fines, the total obligation reached ALL 12.48 billion. According to the Minister, this matter likewise proceeded through protracted judicial proceedings, culminating in December 2025 with a court decision once again rendered in favor of the Customs Administration.

Minister Malaj noted that when enforcement of the obligation began, the company lacked sufficient funds—around €120 million—for immediate seizure. He added that a settlement has since been reached, providing for installment payments of approximately ALL 3 billion, with the repayment process already underway.

Minister Malaj declared that the obligation is being repaid in installments, with $1.5 million collected to date.

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