The meeting was held with the participation of permanent members of the Council and representatives of most oil companies operating in Montenegro, including representatives of the Association of Oil Companies.
At the meeting, it was assessed that there is no shortage of petroleum products in Montenegro, nor is there currently a risk of disruption in market supply.
It was emphasized that at this moment, supply is functioning stably, while global developments in the energy market and the volatility of stock market prices represent a broader challenge facing a large number of countries.
The challenges faced by some energy entities, especially smaller companies that import petroleum products by road, without their own storage capacities, at stock exchange prices on the day of delivery, were also discussed. In the context of rising stock exchange prices, which are currently higher than the currently regulated retail prices in Montenegro, these companies are facing difficult business conditions.
Representatives of oil companies pointed out the need to consider changes to certain elements of the existing Regulation, including changing the calculation period for setting prices for petroleum products, which is currently 14 days, as well as the possibility of reducing excise duties.
The Minister emphasized that this is a complex issue that is significantly conditioned by global developments in the energy market, and that any changes require additional analysis and consultations with the relevant institutions, primarily the Ministry of Finance.
It was emphasized that market supply is not threatened, but that the difficult business conditions for some smaller companies require careful analysis in order to consider possible temporary measures and find sustainable solutions.
"The Council meeting showed that there is currently no fuel shortage in Montenegro and that the market is functioning stably. We have listened to the requests of smaller distributors regarding the reduction of excise duties and shortening the accounting period. We will analyze all proposals very carefully and, together with the finance department, consider possible models. We understand the challenges of business, but hasty statements and attempts to create panic in the interests of certain groups do not contribute to a good business environment and are the least useful for citizens. The interests of citizens remain the absolute priority, and together with the economy we are looking for sustainable solutions for all market participants," said Minister Šahmanović.
The Ministry of Energy and Mining appeals for responsible information to the public, as unverified or hasty information can cause unnecessary concern among citizens and create a false impression about the market situation.
