If the situation with the prices of fuel escalates, the Government will take all measures to mitigate the risk to the citizens, Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska in told reporters on Monday.
Responding to a reporter’s question, Bozhinovska noted that the situation is being closely monitored.
“What is happening is a global phenomenon. As we can all see, prices have risen everywhere. It is a matter of *force majeure*, a war over which we have no control. We held an extraordinary online Government session last week; since the situation began back in March, we have implemented measures regarding excise duties and VAT reductions, and we negotiated a discount with OKTA. We reduced the VAT to 10 percent. We are discussing and reviewing the situation, and we will consult at the Government level. We have a Government session on Tuesday, and we will see how to proceed. We are certainly committed to protecting citizens’ living standards, but we must also consider the fiscal implications for the budget. We will know more soon,” Bozhinovska told a press conference.
The minister confirms that there is currently only one measure in place.
“Yes, a reduction of the VAT from 18 to 10 percent. As you know, there may be other reductions as well. This is an available measure; the Ministry of Finance formulates the fiscal measures and submits them to the Government for adoption,” added Energy Minister Bozhinovska.