TEC Negotino fuel procurement under investigation in North Macedonia

The 'Mazut' case in North Macedonia involves investigations into the procurement of fuel for the TEC Negotino thermal power plant during a period of declared energy crisis. Following the government's declaration of a state of emergency in November 2021 due to electricity supply disruptions and rising prices, TEC Negotino was reactivated as a reserve capacity.

While the Energy Regulatory Commission noted that operating the plant was economically justified because fuel-based electricity prices remained lower than market rates in 2022, the procurement process by ESM (Elektrani na Severna Makedonija) has come under scrutiny. Although ESM was not legally required to follow formal public procurement procedures during the crisis, the investigation examines the transparency and management of public resources during the fuel acquisition process.