Montenegro delays fuel marking implementation until November 9

The Ministry of Energy and Mining has announced that the full implementation of the fuel marking system will begin on November 9, following a testing phase that commenced on October 19. This delay follows concerns regarding the safety of the procedure, which involves pouring nano-particle powder into fuel tanks at border crossings and ports.

Importers and traders expressed safety concerns, requesting that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) certify the process. The MUP's Directorate for Protection and Rescue has stated that fuel marking does not fall under its jurisdiction.

Under current regulations, the costs of marking will be borne by importers and entities placing fuel on the market. This is expected to increase retail fuel prices by approximately two to three cents per liter. The government is currently reviewing regulatory and economic aspects, and proposed amendments to the Decree on the formation of maximum retail prices for certain petroleum derivatives are awaiting adoption by the Government of Montenegro.