TIRANA, March 18 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met fuel suppliers at the Business House to address the impact of the global fuel market crisis. He said oil prices in Albania have increased moderately compared to the rise in international markets.

Rama stressed that the situation remains open. He said no one can predict when the global price surge will end. He noted that international markets have recorded increases of up to 40 percent, creating pressure across supply chains. In contrast, Albania has maintained a more moderate increase.

He then pointed to fuel reserves as an important factor. Suppliers hold physical reserves for about 30 days. Their contracts guarantee supply for up to 100 days. He described this as positive but called for continuous monitoring of the situation.

At the same time, Rama said the government is working on a new initiative. Authorities plan to enter the market as a guaranteed distributor and wholesaler. This state role will secure supply volumes, support operators, and ease relations with third parties. It will also enable direct cooperation with major companies.

He added that the government is consulting a law on strategic reserves. The plan aims to extend physical reserves to 100 days. Meanwhile, he called for cooperation between institutions and market operators to reduce the impact on consumers and businesses.

Finally, Rama said authorities do not consider it necessary to activate the Transparency Board. He urged suppliers to maintain balance in the market. He stressed that the goal remains to prevent the full impact of the global crisis from falling on consumers.

/a.p./