Bosnia and Herzegovina fuel‑marking scheme may raise prices by nearly 4 fening per litre

The Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina published a price list for mandatory marking of liquid petroleum fuels. Marking 1,000 litres will cost 33.18 KM (38.82 KM with VAT), a cost that could be passed to consumers and increase the retail price by about 3.88 fening per litre. The five‑year contract to perform the service was awarded to a consortium led by U.S. company Authentix Inc., together with local firms from Sarajevo, Ljubuški and Zvornik, after a tender run by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

Critics warn the new charge will add to fuel bills and may cause delays at border crossings, while supporters argue it will curb fuel fraud, improve quality control and boost tax revenues. At the same time, neighbouring Croatia and Serbia have reported noticeable fuel‑price hikes driven by rising global oil prices and refinery disruptions. In Croatia, gasoline rose 8 cents to €1.62 per litre and diesel 16 cents to €1.75, while in Serbia the government raised the maximum retail prices of gasoline and Euro‑diesel by two dinars per litre. These regional price increases add further pressure on motorists across the Balkans.