Citizens and businessmen in the Republika Srpska can start filling up with fuel at a price lower by 10 pfennigs per liter from tomorrow, as the implementation of the Decision on Direct Support Due to Disturbances in the Petroleum Products Market begins.
The Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republika Srpska, Ned Puhovac, stated at a press conference that this decision will be applied for a month, until May 16.
Puhovac reminded that this is a measure by which the Government waives part of its excise tax revenues in order to mitigate the consequences of market disruptions.
“By decision of the Government of the Republika Srpska, we waive part of our excise tax revenues, which amount to about 10 pfennigs per liter, in order to help citizens and the economy,” said Puhovac.
The Minister announced this information after contracts were signed at the Ministry of Trade with 11 petroleum product retailers, who have a total of 123 sales points in the Republika Srpska.
These are: Nestro petrol” a.d. Banja Luka, “Krajina petrol” a.d. Banja Luka, “Hifa petrol” d.o.o. Sarajevo, “Madžar” d.o.o. Gradiška, “Despotović” d.o.o. Bijeljina, “Trigma” d.o.o. Banja Luka, “Pemako” d.o.o. Banja Luka, “Sana kop” d.o.o. Ribnik, “Vicanović” d.o.o. Laktaši, “Leburić komerc” d.o.o. Prnjavor and “Nes petrol” d.o.o. Banja Luka.
This, as Minister Puhovac said, covers the entire territory of the RS. All adult citizens with a personal card issued by the RS Ministry of Internal Affairs and who have domestic license plates are entitled to the reduction in fuel prices.
“Before the start of the implementation, it was necessary to carry out technical and administrative preparations, including connecting the software systems of gas stations with the Tax Administration and the relevant ministry,”he stated Puhovac.
According to him, there may be minor delays at first, which is why he asks citizens for patience.
Puhovac emphasized that applications for participation in the system will remain open for the next 30 days, and that this is not the final number of distributors involved.
Speaking about the effects of the measure, Puhovac said that it will be of particular importance for farmers and the transport sector.
“This is significant assistance, especially for farmers who already have regressed fuel, so they will achieve additional savings, as well as for transport companies that consume large amounts of fuel,” said Puhovac.
He estimated that the total value of this measure on a monthly basis could be between five and 5.5 million BAM, based on average fuel consumption in the RS.
“These are funds that the Government is giving up in order to help all of us, and this measure is part of a broader package of activities aimed at alleviating economic pressures,” said Puhovac.
He added that after the measure expires, its effects will be analyzed, and that any further decisions will depend on developments in the oil derivatives market.
A liter of diesel in Banja Luka currently costs around 3.70 BAM, and gasoline around 3 BAM.
