FBiH extends fuel margin cap by 90 days to protect consumers

Under the current measures, the maximum wholesale margin for non-additised petroleum products remains capped at 0.06 KM (approximately €0.03) per litre, while the maximum permitted retail margin is fixed at 0.25 KM (approximately €0.13) per litre, according to the FBiH Ministry of Trade.

FBiH Minister of Trade Amir Hasicevic stated that the extension was essential to sustain consumer protections amidst significant fluctuations across the petroleum market.

“Fuel prices are driven by numerous external factors beyond the direct influence of the FBiH, particularly shifting procurement costs on international markets. What we can control is the proportion of the price determined by trade margins. Consequently, we have proposed that the current restrictions remain in place for another 90 days,” Minister Hasicevic explained.

Originally introduced in June, the direct price control measure established maximum wholesale and retail limits for petroleum products, with the extension securing operational continuity for the upcoming 90-day period.

The price cap applies strictly to non-additised petroleum products. Additised products are exempt, except in instances where a service station exclusively retails additised fuels, subjecting those sales to the restriction.

“In periods of market instability, maintaining a mechanism that shields consumers from further price shocks is of paramount importance. Whilst margin caps cannot halt movements in global crude prices or fuel procurement costs, they do prevent these fluctuations from placing an unnecessary additional burden on the public. This measure has proved highly effective to date, ensuring fuel in the FBiH remains cheaper than in neighbouring countries during the ongoing energy crisis,” Minister Hasicevic added.