Transport operators in Albania and North Macedonia face rising costs and regulatory hurdles

Public transport operators in Albania and professional transporters in North Macedonia are facing significant operational challenges due to rising fuel costs and regulatory changes.

In Albania, the National Association of Urban Transport is requesting an extension of the fuel compensation scheme. Operators argue that current subsidies do not cover the high cost of diesel, which has exceeded 210 lek per liter. They have warned that without continued financial support through September 2026, they may be forced to reduce bus numbers and service frequencies to avoid financial collapse.

In North Macedonia, the Makam-Trans Association has announced a protest scheduled for August 31 in front of the European Union Delegation in Skopje. The protest targets Schengen area restrictions that limit professional drivers to staying only 90 days within a 180-day period. Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikollovski stated that the government is pursuing bilateral agreements with Schengen member states, such as Switzerland, Croatia, and Romania, to mitigate these issues.