The oil market in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains stable and there are sufficient quantities of fuel, despite the fact that prices at some gas stations have exceeded three convertible marks per liter of diesel. Authorities say there is no reason for concern regarding supply, while new regulations aim to prevent unjustified price increases.
At several fuel stations across the country, the price of diesel has surpassed 3 BAM per liter, while gasoline remains somewhat cheaper. Although prices are higher than in previous months, officials emphasize that the market is well supplied and functioning normally.
In the meantime, the Government of Republika Srpska adopted a Regulation on Limiting the Margin on Fuel and Consumer Goods, which more precisely defines the method of price calculation and aims to protect consumers from excessive markups.
According to Ned Puhovac, the new rules should have a direct impact on stabilizing prices.
“It will have to have an effect if we now allow six percent wholesale margin, or eight percent retail. Until now it was 88 or 150. That will no longer be possible, because it will automatically be subject to inspector sanctions,” Puhovac said.
Consumer protection organizations have welcomed the decision, noting that stricter controls will be crucial in ensuring that traders respect the new rules.
Murisa Marić from the Consumer Movement “DON” in Prijedor said the measure could help stabilize prices if implemented properly.
“We support the margin limit and believe it could have been introduced earlier. Now everything depends on inspection bodies and stronger control,” Marić stated.
Energy sector representatives also stress that supply remains secure. Damir Krešo noted that there have been no interruptions in fuel availability.
“I have not seen a single gas station in BiH close due to a lack of fuel. Today we can say with certainty that there are oil and oil derivatives on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina, although prices are somewhat higher than before the conflict in the Middle East,” Krešo said.
While the supply situation is stable, citizens remain concerned that higher fuel prices could lead to increases in the cost of food and other basic products. Authorities believe the newly introduced margin limits could prevent further price growth, but much will depend on market movements and the effectiveness of inspections in the coming period.
