The National Urban Transport Association and the Urban and Interurban Transport Association said in a letter to the Finance, Economy and Infrastructure and Energy ministries, local authorities and Tirana Municipality that operators had completed all required procedures but had yet to receive the approved payments.

Under a government decision, operators are entitled to compensation of 50 lek per litre of fuel consumed during March-May, the associations said.

They said the delays, coupled with high fuel prices, had created liquidity problems and increased operating costs, despite operators continuing to finance services from their own resources.

The associations called for the immediate release of the outstanding payments and an extension of the support scheme beyond May as long as high fuel prices and other economic conditions persist.

The operators warned that without a timely response they may have to reduce their operational capacity and the number of vehicles in circulation, which would directly affect the frequency and capacity of public transport services.

They urged authorities to treat the issue as a priority, citing the sector’s importance to the country’s social and economic life.

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