North Macedonia considers restarting OKTA refinery amid stable fuel supply

North Macedonian officials have indicated that the country does not expect diesel shortages for the remainder of the year or throughout the next year, according to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Mickoski stated that private discussions with oil and petroleum traders suggest supply remains stable despite global energy challenges.

Government leaders are exploring the possibility of restarting the OKTA refinery, which has been inactive since 2012. Minister of Energy Sanja Bozhinovska noted that while the idea of producing diesel from crude oil is in an early stage, it remains a viable option. A technical analysis is required to determine the feasibility of the project, especially since the refinery is now connected to the Port of Thessaloniki via a pipeline.

The government intends to maintain its policy of keeping fuel prices among the lowest in the region to protect citizens' living standards. Mickoski noted that current prices for diesel and unleaded gasoline are approximately half a euro per liter lower than in neighboring countries.