Albania plans to create a national security reserve for crude oil and petroleum products. The proposed system aims to secure market supplies during crises, unexpected disruptions or emergencies.

Under the draft law, Albania will gradually build reserves covering at least 90 days of average daily net imports or 61 days of average daily domestic consumption. Authorities will use the higher level as the reference. The reserves must remain physically available, accessible and controllable at all times.

A dedicated Oil Security Reserve Authority will manage the system. Its responsibilities will include creating, purchasing, storing, managing and releasing reserves when necessary. Economic operators could also store reserves through service agreements. Authorities will follow transparency, competition and non-discrimination principles in purchasing, selling and storing the reserves.

Meanwhile, the system will receive funding partly through a fee on excise-duty hydrocarbon products, including aviation fuel. The Council of Ministers will set the fee. The government could order the release of reserves during supply disruptions or significant increases in international prices. A National Response Plan will set the conditions, quantities, products and procedures for releasing and replenishing the reserves.

The proposed framework also aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union standards and Energy Community obligations. The draft law sets administrative fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million ALL, depending on the violation. Authorities could also temporarily suspend an operator’s activity for repeated violations.

/a.p./