FBiH govt outlines measures to stabilize oil market amid global crisis

Demand for fuel in the FBiH has surged from 1.7 million to 3.1 million liters daily. Despite this, the Prime Minister assured the public that the distribution chain remains functional. "The fact that citizens from neighbouring countries still fuel their vehicles in BiH is a clear sign that our prices remain more favourable," Niksic noted.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the planned border blockades by transport companies scheduled for March 23, 2026. To mitigate the impact on supply, the government is looking to FBiH Railways as a logistical alternative. Niksic clarified that while the government has met obligations regarding highway tag synchronization and VAT initiatives, it cannot unilaterally alter the EU's 90/180-day rule for drivers. He urged the adoption of key domestic laws to address this issue.

To assist distributors, the FBiH Government has invested 800,000 Bosnian marks (approximately € 409,033) in digital probes at gas stations, allowing for real-time monitoring of prices and stock. This transparency allows inspectors to be more flexible with paperwork during urgent supply periods.

Furthermore, the government expressed readiness to support a temporary reduction in excise duties by 10% to 20%, though this requires state-level consensus. Niksic also warned against unjustified price hikes for consumer goods. The government currently limits prices on 60 essential products and is considering expanding this list to prevent "price padding" in the food and hygiene sectors.