The Albanian Taxi Union has reacted to the decision of the Energy Regulatory Authority to increase the price of energy at electric car charging stations.
In the letter addressed to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE) and ERE, the Union asks them to review the decision to increase the energy price for electric car charging points, with installed power over 11 kW.
With a decision dated October 15, the Entity approved the new price for charging points/stations with installed power over 11 kW, which increased the price of energy for these categories from 14 lekë, which is currently 22 lekë/kWh. The decision comes into force on November 1. At peak times, energy for these categories will be paid 15% more than the normal price, resulting in a tariff of 25.3 lekë/kWh.
The Albanian Taxi Union demands the immediate suspension of the implementation of the new tariff until a public hearing is held with the Albanian Taxi Union and other interest groups.
Secondly, reviewing the tariff with the aim of establishing a preferential price for electric taxis, as a public service sector with social and environmental impact.
Thirdly, the creation of a subsidy mechanism or fiscal relief is required, so as not to turn the ecological investment of hundreds of drivers into an economic burden.
"This decision, in its current form, directly and severely affects the taxi transport sector in Albania, as over 70% of taxi service vehicles are now electric vehicles, purchased through bank loans, as part of the commitment to a more ecological, more economical and pollution-free transport for Albanian cities," the letter to the Ministry of Economy and Transport and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERE) states.
Addressed to:
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy
Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE)
From:
ALBANIAN TAXI UNION
Subject:
Request for suspension and review of the new electricity tariff for electric vehicle charging stations
Honorable Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Authority,
Honorable Madam Minister,
The Albanian Taxi Union has been informed with concern of the recent decision of the ERE to establish a new and differentiated tariff for electricity at electric car charging stations, which will enter into force on November 1, 2025, at a price of 22 lek/kWh and 25.3 lek/kWh during peak hours (18:00–23:00).
This decision, in its current form, directly and severely affects the taxi transport sector in Albania, as over 70% of taxi service vehicles are now electric vehicles, purchased through bank loans, as part of the commitment to more ecological, more economical and pollution-free transport for Albanian cities.
The Albanian Taxi Union, as the legal representative of this large interest group, was not invited and was not consulted in the preliminary decision-making process, although the law requires the involvement of interest groups in decisions that directly affect their economy.
This lack of consultation and transparency contradicts the principles of Law No. 43/2015 “On the Electricity Sector” and good practices of social dialogue.
We emphasize that increasing the price of energy for charging electric vehicles penalizes green transportation, discourages investments in clean energy, and conflicts with the government's objectives for decarbonization and reducing urban pollution.
If this decision is not reviewed, the Albanian Taxi Union will be forced to use all legal and democratic means to protect the interests of its members, including administrative and judicial appeals./Monitor
