The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has endorsed a proposal to temporarily eliminate customs duties on imports of crude oil and petroleum products. The measure applies specifically to shipments from non-preferential markets, meaning countries outside the EU, CEFTA, and those without special trade agreements with Bosnia and Herzegovina. If implemented, the policy would remain in force for a period of 180 days.
At the state level, authorities are expected to instruct the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to revise the national customs tariff system accordingly. Under the proposed changes, import duties on oil and petroleum products from third countries would be reduced to zero during this six-month period, effectively lowering entry barriers for alternative suppliers.
Officials argue that removing tariffs and related charges would expand the pool of potential suppliers, helping to diversify sourcing and reduce dependence on dominant import routes. This approach is expected to strengthen competition within the fuel supply chain, potentially leading to more stable pricing and improved market efficiency.
The proposal is also designed to enhance the country’s resilience to external shocks. By facilitating quicker access to alternative supply channels, authorities believe Bosnia and Herzegovina would be better positioned to respond to sudden disruptions, such as supply shortages or price spikes, thereby ensuring greater continuity in energy availability.
Government representatives emphasized the preventive nature of the measure. Establishing duty-free access in advance would allow for the immediate activation of alternative supply routes in times of crisis, avoiding delays linked to administrative procedures or additional costs. This level of preparedness is seen as a way to strengthen institutional capacity and improve risk management within the energy sector.
The main driver behind the proposal is the ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Price fluctuations observed in March 2026 highlight the unpredictability of current conditions, reinforcing the need for timely policy intervention aimed at safeguarding supply stability and protecting the domestic economy.
