Growing tensions on global energy markets are beginning to affect Montenegro’s fuel supply, with industry representatives warning that current price regulations could disrupt deliveries. According to the Association of Oil Companies of Montenegro, the cost of purchasing fuel, particularly diesel, has surged sharply and is now about 30 % higher than prices allowed on the domestic retail market.
The association highlighted that geopolitical developments and instability in the Middle East have driven international oil and fuel prices upward. As a result, companies are buying petroleum products at prices exceeding the maximum retail prices set by Montenegro’s regulations.
Fuel distributors warn that this situation is creating severe financial pressure, as fuels are being sold domestically at prices up to 30 % below international market levels, effectively operating at a loss. If the price surge continues, the burden on suppliers could soon become unsustainable, potentially threatening continuous fuel deliveries to key sectors such as transportation, tourism, and daily economic activity.
Some fuel stations have already reported temporary shortages, while others may face similar issues soon. Government officials, however, have attempted to reassure the public. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that reforms implemented last year created strategic petroleum reserves, designed as a safeguard for energy supply. Combined with commercial inventories held by private companies, these stocks are expected to cover roughly two months of normal consumption.
The Council for Securing Fuel Supply to the Market has scheduled a meeting to review the situation and discuss potential measures to assist smaller fuel distributors.
Not all experts agree with the Government’s assessment. According to official data, Montenegro would need about 112,340 tons of fuel products to cover 90 days, while current reserves total roughly 44,260 tons, representing about 35 days of consumption. Only around 26,000 tons of these stocks are physically located within Montenegro, sufficient for about three weeks of domestic supply. These reserves are managed by private companies like Jugopetrol, INA, and Petrol, meaning they are under market conditions rather than direct government control.
