Business organizations across Albania have called on governments to intervene immediately to address rising fuel prices, warning that the situation is becoming a real threat to the economy, the competitiveness of businesses, and the purchasing power of citizens.
This effect is being directly reflected in the slowdown in economic activity, increased uncertainty and the postponement of new investment decisions. In many cases, businesses are being forced to review their strategic plans, while some sectors are facing real difficulties for survival. Businesses requested a temporary and flexible review of the fiscal burden on fuels and warned that if no action is taken, there will be an increase in the prices of other products.
In a joint statement to the media, the Pan-Albanian Economic Forum, in cooperation with the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Kosovo Business Alliance and other representative business organizations in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the Presevo Valley, said that recent developments in the fuel market are exerting strong pressure on the economies of the region.
The continuous increase in fuel prices, influenced by developments in global energy markets, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties in supply chains, is putting our economies under strong and sustained pressure. In conditions of high dependence on imports and a sensitive economic structure, this crisis is immediately reflected in every segment of our economic activities.
In close coordination with the business community, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the Presevo Valley, we assess that this situation is taking on increasingly serious proportions and constitutes a common structural challenge for the economies of the region, which requires immediate and harmonized inter-institutional attention, the statement says.
Businesses warn of further price increases
According to the statement, fuel represents one of the most important elements that guarantees the normal functioning of the economy. From transport and agriculture, to industry, tourism and services, every sector relies on this strategic input.
Its price increase is producing a visible and tangible chain effect:
-increase in production and service costs in all sectors;
-increase in prices for the final consumer;
-decrease in purchasing power of families;
-weakening of the competitiveness of businesses in regional and international markets.
This effect is being directly reflected in the slowdown in economic activity, increased uncertainty, and the postponement of new investment decisions. In many cases, businesses are being forced to review their strategic plans, while some sectors are facing real difficulties in survival.
Take measures
On behalf of the business community, businesses called for immediate, concrete and measurable measures to address this situation:
-Temporary and flexible review of the fiscal burden
The current price structure contains a high tax burden. Targeted intervention is needed to stabilize the market, in line with the practices of European Union countries.
-Full transparency in pricing
periodic publication of the price structure;
clarification of influencing factors (prices in international markets, taxes, excise duties, etc.).
-Strengthening control and fair competition
active monitoring of operators;
investigation of possible cases of abuse;
fight against informality.
-Support for the most exposed sectors
Transport, agriculture, manufacturing industry, services and tourism require concrete easing measures to maintain competitiveness.
-Medium and long-term structural measures
creation of strategic oil reserves;
diversification of energy sources;
investments in alternative energy and energy efficiency.
-Institutionalized government-business dialogue
An open, regular and functional dialogue is required for the design of effective and implementable policies.
The declaration was 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 Passenger Transport Association 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 Craftswomen.
If no action is taken, price increases will be strong
Business organizations are demanding immediate and concrete action from governments and relevant institutions. Any delay in decision-making will have direct costs for the economy and citizens.
Businesses demanded urgent, measurable and verifiable interventions, with clear implementation deadlines.
Any lack of response at this critical moment constitutes direct institutional responsibility for the deterioration of the economic situation.
The responsibility for economic stability is the direct responsibility of state institutions. Business cannot and should not bear this burden alone.
If immediate measures are not taken:
-price increases will escalate;
-investments will be curbed;
-jobs will be at risk;
-and the economy will face severe and long-term consequences./Monitor.al/
