TIRANA, March 17 – Albanian authorities are monitoring the fuel market on a daily basis amid rising tensions in global energy markets linked to the Iran conflict and oil price fluctuations. Officials say the country faces no supply disruptions.

In an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH), Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj outlined measures to secure fuel supply, track price movements, and prevent market speculation. She said several institutions oversee the market based on their roles, while ministries monitor prices and supply conditions.
The Competition Authority tracks market behavior and identifies potential abuse or oligopolistic practices. The government has activated all relevant state bodies since the start of the crisis to strengthen oversight. Ibrahimaj said major fuel operators confirmed, through documentation, that they maintain mandatory reserves required by law. Authorities will also conduct field inspections to verify these reserves.

Preliminary checks show no issues in the supply chain. Most traders hold long-term contracts with suppliers, which reduces the risk of shortages. Authorities have tracked prices daily for over a week by comparing international market rates, customs values, and retail prices.

Data shows a slight decline in domestic fuel prices in line with global trends. Diesel prices dropped from around 198 ALL per liter on March 10 to about 192 ALL per liter. Tax and customs authorities have set up a task force to inspect possible speculative pricing.

If inspections confirm price manipulation, authorities will apply legal procedures under tax and customs legislation. Ibrahimaj said the government may activate the fuel transparency board if prices rise sharply. She added that Albania is preparing structural reforms, including strategic fuel reserves and a state wholesale operator, to stabilize the market and align with EU standards.

/a.p./