Due to disruptions in the supply of oil on the market, fuel consumption has increased in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but thanks to the distribution chain, fuel is available,” said Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić after the meeting of the Collegium of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and relevant federal ministers with all relevant actors in the supply chain of oil and oil derivatives in FBiH.
Nikšić said that fuel in BiH is cheaper than in other countries of the region, and he cited as an example the arrival of citizens from neighboring countries in BiH to refuel.
“A new blockade of border crossings has been announced for March 23, and it could create additional problems for the distribution of fuel. This key role can be played by the FBiH Railways in order to ensure an orderly supply. The distributors pointed out certain problems they are facing and we agreed that the inspection should show understanding for the fuel supply,” said Nikšić.
He added that as a result of the rise in oil prices, an increase in food prices is also possible, and that in this context, inspection plays an important role.
Izudin Ahmetlić, representative and owner of the Hifa Oil group, said that everyone equally bears the burden and fate of difficulties in oil supply.
“I think we have responded to the task and the FBiH has not run out of oil, even though we do not have a refinery. Our misfortune is that at the moment the refinery in Rijeka in Croatia is being overhauled, which greatly helps BiH’s supply. There is no room for panic, no matter how complex the situation is,” said Ahmetlić.
According to him, the formation of prices does not depend on anyone in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, because prices are dictated daily by the refinery in the port of Ploče.
“We don’t have our own refinery, but we still manage to have a fuel supply. Oil prices are rising in other European countries as well. We cannot predict what will happen with prices in the coming period. If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, it will be a difficult situation for the whole world. Then we need to look for new ways and alternatives,” stressed Ahmetlić.
Today’s meeting was attended by the five largest oil distributors in the FBiH, representatives of the FBiH Railways, the Economic and Social Council, and the FBiH Employers’ Association.
