Albanians are flooding into North Macedonia in large numbers to buy cheaper fuel. The news has also been confirmed by Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who stated that diesel consumption has reached a record high of over 2 million liters per day due to border purchases.
"The reason for this is that some citizens from neighboring countries come to Macedonia to refuel, especially in border areas. The greatest pressure is on the northern, southern, and western borders, as fuel and gasoline prices in the country are lower compared to some neighboring countries," Mickoski said.
Official data from the government of North Macedonia shows that daily diesel consumption has increased by over 40 percent compared to before the crisis, precisely due to massive purchases by Albanians and Greeks—two countries where fuel prices are much higher than in North Macedonia.
"The price of 95-octane gasoline in the country ranges between 1.27 and 1.31 euros per liter, while in Greece and Albania, this price is over two euros," Mickoski added.
Calculations from the statistics office in North Macedonia indicate that Albanians and Greeks are buying an average of 200,000 to 300,000 liters of fuel per day in North Macedonia. When asked whether the government would intervene to limit this phenomenon, Mickoski said there is no reason to do so.
"The fuel supply situation is more than stable, and there is no sign of potential shortages," Mickoski said.
The government of North Macedonia has been one of the most aggressive in implementing measures to curb fuel price increases for its citizens. This has caused the price differential for fuel between Albania and North Macedonia to reach record levels.
Currently, in North Macedonia, the price of a liter of diesel fluctuates around 1.3 euros, while in Albania it is over 2.1 euros, bringing the difference to 80 euro cents per liter, or 80 lekë per liter.