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North Macedonia reduces diesel VAT from 18% to 10%
The North Macedonian government has approved a measure to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel fuel from 18% to 10%. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, aims to mitigate rising fuel costs and protect the living standards of citizens amidst an energy crisis and global supply uncertainties.
According to government calculations, the tax reduction is expected to offset much of the anticipated price hike. For diesel, instead of a projected 5 denar increase per liter, the measure is expected to result in a 2 denar decrease, bringing the price to approximately 99 denars per liter. However, gasoline prices are still expected to rise, with Eurosuper BS-95 potentially reaching 100.5 denars per liter.
The measure is scheduled to be implemented from 00:01 on September 15, 2026, until 24:00 on September 28, 2026. The Prime Minister acknowledged that while the move will impact the state budget, it is necessary to maintain fuel prices that remain lower than those in neighboring countries.
The opposition party, SDSM, has criticized the move as a “belated and partial” response. They argued that the government waited too long to act after prices had already surged and suggested that more aggressive measures, such as reducing VAT to 5% or eliminating fuel excise duties entirely, should have been implemented earlier to prevent economic strain on households.
Entities
Energy Regulatory Commission · Government of North Macedonia · Hristijan Mickoski · North Macedonia · Regulatory Commission for Energy · SDSM
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The tax reduction will impact state budget revenues. lider.mk · opserver.mk · vecer.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Prime Minister expects a stable heating season without energy supply disruptions. panoptikum.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Electricity prices for households may remain at current levels starting in January. panoptikum.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The government plans to reduce the VAT on diesel fuel from 18% to 10%. lider.mk · opserver.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The VAT reduction is expected to lead to a decrease in diesel fuel prices. lider.mk · opserver.mk · vecer.mk