Tabaku said fuel stations had raised prices sharply and immediately despite the absence of a comparable increase on international markets.

She said fuel storage facilities remain stocked, adding that price increases under such conditions raise serious concerns about speculation in the market.

Tabaku also criticised the authorities, saying the Albanian Competition Authority and the government appear to be monitoring the situation but have taken no concrete steps to protect consumers.

She added that, unlike Albania, other countries in the region have introduced measures to address rising prices, while citizens in Albania are offered “only propaganda”.

“Raising prices before any increase is reflected on international markets and while storage depots remain full directly harms Albanian citizens,” Tabaku said.

She argued that the situation reflects a corrupt economic system that has captured every link in the market chain, from fuel stations to the prices paid daily by consumers.

Tabaku said the situation highlights the need for deep reforms to the country’s economic and institutional system, arguing that only a fair and competitive system can safeguard the interests of citizens and legitimate businesses.

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In a statement, Spiropali said she had followed “all evening” the wave of political speculation surrounding visas to the United States.

She stressed that while Albania is widely respected and active on the international stage, some in Tirana had claimed that the U.S. had frozen or blocked visas for Albanians.

“They even went so far as to suggest that our historic and strategic partners have placed Albania on a blacklist. Unimaginable!” she said, calling the claims “complete political fabrications.”

Spiropali clarified that the U.S. decision did not restrict travel for Albanians, including for tourism, study, business, family visits, or work-related events. “No one is barred from travelling to the United States as a tourist, student, citizen, or official, although U.S. stay regulations will now align with their immigration policy,” she added.

Foreign Minister said the move concerns a review of immigration visa processing for 75 countries, including five in the Western Balkans, and is part of U.S. efforts to curb abuse of its migration system.

“In short, the decision has nothing to do with the outlandish claims of imaginary ‘nongrata’ lists targeting Albania or Albanians,” Spiropali said.

She reaffirmed Albania’s longstanding partnership with the United States.

“Beyond all this smoke, one truth is as clear as daylight: Albania has been and remains a strategic ally and partner of the United States, sharing a long and inseparable path of values and goals,” she said.

Spiropali made the remarks while travelling to Kyiv for an official visit, where she will reaffirm Albania’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in harsh winter conditions.

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The investigation, which began on June 14, 2024, targets markets in Tirana, Elbasan, Berat, Fier, and Korçë.

The Competition watchdog’s report notes that wholesale fruit and vegetable establishments increased prices when they sold products to the retail sale operators.

According to the Competition Authority announcement, officials are examining whether vertical integration and significant price discrepancies among producers, collectors, and wholesalers may indicate anti-competitive practices. The watchdog is particularly concerned about possible agreements or coordinated actions between businesses that could undermine fair competition.

The review will cover transactions from January 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. The findings will determine potential breaches of Albania’s competition regulations.

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