The increase in oil prices by the Transparency Board has prompted a reaction from business associations, which are calling for government intervention to curb the effects on the economy.
According to them, fuel is a strategic element for the economy, and the price hike is creating a chain effect across every sector, from production to services, reducing purchasing power, increasing production costs, and weakening business competitiveness. The business associations have directed six demands to the Albanian government, the most important of which is a review of the fiscal burden, as well as support for the most exposed sectors such as transport, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing industry, and services and tourism.
The associations propose medium and long-term measures, such as the creation of strategic oil reserves, diversification of energy sources, and investments in alternative energy. According to them, if the government does not intervene, price increases, business closures, and employee layoffs are expected.
The statement is signed by 12 business organizations, including the All-Albanian Economic Forum, the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Kosovo Business Alliance, the Builders Association, the Albanian Agribusiness Council, the National Association of Passenger Transport of Albania, the Albanian Tourism Association, the Albanian Food Industry Association, the Dairy Processing Industry Association, the Medicinal Plants Association, PRO-Export Albania, and the Association of Professional, Business, and Artisan Women.
A temporary and flexible review of the fiscal burden on fuels is necessary. The current price structure includes a significant weight of taxes, which burdens businesses and consumers. Targeted intervention would help stabilize the market.
Such measures should align with the practices of European Union countries, which during crisis periods have applied fiscal easing policies to mitigate the impact on the economy and citizens.
2. Transparency in price determination
The lack of transparency in price determination by relevant structures remains concerning. We call for the regular publication of the price structure; clarification of influencing factors (international markets, taxes, margins). Transparency is essential for restoring trust.
Institutions must guarantee fair competition through: active monitoring of operators; investigation of any possible case of abuse or hidden agreements, as well as combating informality.
4. Support for the most exposed sectors
Sectors such as transport, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing industry, and services and tourism are among the most affected and require concrete support. Easing instruments are necessary to maintain competitiveness and avoid the full transfer of costs to consumers.
6. Open dialogue between the government and businesses
Open, regular, and developmental dialogue between the government and businesses must be developed so that measures against the energy crisis are real, applicable, and function to preserve jobs, production, and investments, ensuring economic and social stability in the Albanian space.