Currently, there is no shortage of oil and oil derivatives, nor are there any significant price shocks as a direct consequence of the crisis. According to information from the field, provided through intensified controls by the State Market Inspectorate (SMI), no serious deviations in prices have been noted, Macedonian Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska said in an interview with the national broadcaster MRT.
The minister explained that the Government is keeping a close watch the economic situation and is ready to react in a timely manner with appropriate measures, if necessary.
According to the minister, there is no shortage of oil and oil derivatives in the country, nor are there significant price shocks as a direct consequence of the crisis.
“Currently in our country there is no shortage of oil and oil derivatives. Fuel supply runs smoothly, which means that there is no basis for introducing restrictions of that type. In terms of prices, they are still lower compared to parts of the region, which is particularly important for the standard of citizens. Therefore, we cannot simply take the measures of other countries, without taking into account our real situation,” said Dimitrieska-Kochoska.
Amid an increased global uncertainty, caused by developments in the Middle East, the Minister noted that the unpredictability of the crisis is a key challenge, given that not even European countries can provide a reliable estimate of its duration.
The Government, the minister noted, will certainly respond and take appropriate measures.
“More than 30 inspection teams operate on a daily basis, monitoring the situation throughout the country. Most of the companies, whether they are manufacturers, distributors, supermarkets, that have been visited by the SMI, we can conclude that on the ground there has been no change in terms of prices,” said the country’s finance minister.
Dimitrieska Kochoska said that if the crisis escalates, reorganization will be made but the priority will always be timely payment of wages, pensions, social assistance, and all that is important to protect the standard of living of citizens.
