Albania among the “top 10” countries with the highest fuel prices in the world

Albania ranks first in the region, fifth in Europe, and seventh in the world for the highest fuel prices.

At fuel stations, one liter of diesel costs an average of 170 lekë, which at the current exchange rate equals 2.09 dollars.

In the Western Balkans, Serbia ranks second, with a liter of diesel sold for around 1.92 dollars at fuel stations. Compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Kosovo, fuel in Albania costs almost twice as much.

“Compared to Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Montenegro, there is a big difference. We are much more expensive,” some drivers said.

In Europe, higher diesel prices are found in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Denmark, and Iceland. Albania, ranked fifth, leaves behind countries such as Ireland or Monaco, home to some of the wealthiest people in the world. Globally, Hong Kong has the highest price for a liter of diesel, at over 3.56 dollars.

“It’s unbelievable. Prices have gone up. It’s not pleasant at all… Very expensive compared to the salaries we earn,” said several drivers.

Each liter of diesel sold at fuel stations is made up of the purchase price of the fuel on international markets and the taxes and fees applied by the government. On the stock exchange, the price of crude oil has fallen to 689 dollars per ton, from 750 dollars a month ago. At the same time, the dollar continues to depreciate. Fuel prices, as a result, should be cheaper.

“We are asking the prime minister to reopen the refineries so prices can go down. These are the highest prices in recent years,” some drivers stated.

Last year, Albania imported more fuel than ever before. Data from the Ministry of Finance show that during the period January–November, more than 671 thousand tons of fuel were purchased from abroad.

“KORÇA BOOM”