Croatia will release 35,000 tons of diesel from its mandatory petroleum reserves onto the market, with officials stressing that the move is part of a routine stock management process rather than a response to any domestic supply disruption.
Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar emphasized that fuel supply in Croatia remains stable and uninterrupted, adding that there are no extraordinary conditions affecting the domestic market.
The Government explained that the release aligns with broader European efforts to support stability in oil product markets and follows guidance coordinated at the level of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Although Croatia is not a member of the IEA and is not formally obliged to follow its measures, Minister Šušnjar said the country chose to participate as a gesture of solidarity with the wider European response. He also recalled that a similar action was taken in 2022, at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, when energy markets across Europe were under significant pressure.
The diesel volume released represents approximately 4.39 days of Croatia’s average net imports, 4.1 days of consumption, or about 4.7% of the country’s mandatory oil reserves. Officials noted that these stocks will be replenished later through the regular six-month reserve renewal cycle. The fuel will be sold on the market by the Croatian Hydrocarbons Agency at prevailing market prices.
When asked about potential broader government intervention amid inflation, Minister Šušnjar pointed to existing measures, including the price cap on 100 essential products, and stated that authorities will continue to closely monitor energy prices. He also highlighted ongoing communication with market participants, while reaffirming that Croatia operates within a market-based economy.
At the same time, he urged businesses to act responsibly and avoid unjustified price increases, adding that the Government has already implemented measures covering electricity, gas, and oil products, and that there is currently no clear basis for significant new price increases.
