Diesel remained the dominant fuel in North Macedonia during the past year, accounting for more than 74% of total fuel consumption, according to the latest annual report from the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission (RKE).
The report shows that unleaded petrol made up 11.74% of total consumption in 2025, while fuel oil accounted for 6.61%. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) represented 5.22% of the market structure, making it a relatively smaller but still relevant component of the national fuel mix.
Overall fuel demand increased across several categories during the year. Petrol consumption rose by 8.34% compared to 2024, while diesel usage grew by 5.17%. The report also recorded increases in LPG demand and extra-light heating oil consumption. In contrast, there was a sharp decline in jet fuel consumption, which fell by more than 53%, along with smaller decreases in biodiesel and fuel oil use.
North Macedonia continues to rely heavily on imported petroleum products due to its limited domestic refining capacity. Around 87% of imported fuel volumes came from Greece, while Bulgaria supplied just over 9%. Smaller quantities were imported from Albania and Serbia, reflecting a regionally concentrated supply structure.
RKE President Aco Ristov confirmed that the regulator completed the relicensing process for major oil companies in 2025, aiming to ensure stable fuel supply conditions over the coming decade. At the same time, the government has been investigating allegations that certain companies may have engaged in resale activities, purchasing discounted fuel domestically and exporting it to neighboring markets.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that authorities received information suggesting some firms exported gasoline and diesel obtained at reduced prices from OKTA to other countries in the region. Officials emphasized that North Macedonia has not imposed restrictions on fuel exports or re-exports, unlike some neighboring states, but warned against speculative trading practices.
Natural gas consumption in the country remains relatively limited. According to RKE data, district heating plants and cogeneration facilities account for about 85% of total gas usage, while industrial consumers represent roughly 13%. Household consumption remains minimal due to limited access to distribution infrastructure.
The regulator noted that eight companies imported natural gas during the past year, contributing to increased market competition. In addition, the Skopje-based company Enerdzi Ekolink, formerly known as Toplana Skopje Sever, obtained licenses for both heat production and heat supply operations.
North Macedonia’s gas sector remains constrained by underdeveloped infrastructure. The country has no extensive national distribution network, with existing pipelines mainly connecting the Bulgarian border to Skopje and a few industrial zones. As a result, many regions and residential areas still lack access to natural gas.
The country is also fully dependent on imported gas, primarily supplied via Bulgaria. Although gasification projects have been discussed for years, progress has been slow due to political, financial, and administrative challenges, leaving the sector structurally underdeveloped compared to regional peers.
