Zenica heating crisis intensifies as council rejects price hikes

A heating crisis in Zenica has escalated following a failed attempt by Mayor Fuad Kasumović and the public utility company, JP Grijanje Zenica, to secure funding for the 2026/2027 heating season. During an emergency session of the City Council, officials rejected a proposal that would have implemented a 35 percent price increase for citizens while covering remaining costs through a 50 million KM municipal loan.

Failure to reach an agreement has left the heating system operating at a technological minimum to avoid technical failure. While the mayor warned that heating could be shut off entirely, the utility company clarified that supply has been reduced but not fully terminated.

Alternative proposals suggest a much steeper increase of approximately 106 percent for certain users if a subsidy model is not reached. Council members have criticized the lack of transparency regarding the proposed 50 million KM debt and its potential impact on other municipal sectors like culture and education. Citizens have organized calls for protests in front of the City Administration to demand reliable heating services.