Montenegro has adopted its first comprehensive emergency response plan for fuel supply disruptions, introducing a formal crisis management framework designed to protect both citizens and the economy during periods of energy market instability.
The document, approved by the Government on the proposal of the Ministry of Energy and Mining, establishes clear procedures for managing severe shortages or disruptions in the supply of petroleum products. Officials described the plan as a key milestone in strengthening national energy security.
Energy Minister Admir Šahmanović stated that Montenegro previously lacked a structured mechanism for responding to large-scale fuel supply crises. The new framework is intended to ensure a rapid and coordinated state response in the event of unexpected market shocks.
The plan defines decision-making protocols, procedures for activating strategic fuel reserves, and coordination mechanisms between relevant state institutions. It also introduces a system for identifying priority consumers, ensuring that hospitals, emergency services, public institutions, and other critical sectors receive fuel supply priority during crisis conditions.
In addition, the framework gives the Government authority to implement special market stabilization measures aimed at protecting consumers and reducing pressure on living standards during supply disruptions. Authorities emphasized that transparent and timely communication with the public is a central element of the plan, intended to prevent panic and limit market uncertainty.
According to the Ministry, the document was developed over an extended period in cooperation with multiple institutions and is aligned with European Union and Energy Community standards.
Officials stressed that fuel supplies in Montenegro are currently stable. However, they warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions, uncertainty over global transport routes, and repeated alerts from the International Energy Agency regarding potential price shocks highlight the importance of proactive crisis preparedness.
