North Macedonia energy update: Fuel price decision and plant profits

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of North Macedonia is scheduled to issue a new decision on Monday, August 24, regarding the maximum retail prices for gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum derivatives. Current prices stand at 91.50 denars per liter for Eurosuper BS-95, 93.50 denars for Eurosuper BS-98, and 98 denars for Eurodiesel. While international crude oil prices rose last week due to global supply uncertainty, domestic price adjustments depend on several factors, including market quotations for petroleum derivatives and the exchange rate of the denar against the US dollar.

In a related context regarding the nation's energy landscape, reports highlight the economic role of the Negotino Thermal Power Plant (TEЦ Negotino) during the 2021–2023 energy crisis. While fuel procurement was subject to investigation, analyses suggest that the plant's operation provided significant value. In 2022, the plant reportedly achieved a record profit of approximately 2.25 billion denars (around 36.5 million euros). Estimates indicate that if the electricity produced by the plant had been imported instead, the cost to the state would have been substantially higher than the cost of local production during the period of energy shortages.