The League of Businesses requires the ZRE to withdraw the proposal for increased electricity prices: Economic Harm

The League of Kosovo Businesses (LBK), as representative of the local business community, has rejected the cost of electricity following the recent warning of the Energy Regulatory Office to increase electricity tariffs to a 15% level.
This proposal is unacceptable and economically harmful, taking into account the country's heavy economic situation and the impact it will have on businesses, local production and citizens' welfare”.

The rise in electricity prices, in this significant period for Kosovo's economy, The LBK says it represents additional burdens to the private sector and to all consumers. This decision is expected to have direct consequences in increasing living costs, lowering citizens' purchasing power and contracting local economic activity, follows Periscope.

Citing recent data from the Kosovo Statistics Agency, the League of Business has provided some statistics for February 2025 compared to February 2024:

Exports have dropped by -8.9%.
Imports have scored growth of +12.7%.

“This disbalance clearly shows the deterioration of the trade balance and weakening local production sector, which currently faces numerous challenges such as lack of support, the high cost of raw materials and labor power, and now even with an increase in energy price”.

The LBK said rising electricity tariffs are expected to negatively affect:

A rise in production costs for local businesses;
) lowering the competitiveness of our products on the domestic and international market;
rising prices for bottom consumers;
The reduction of new investments and the removal of potential investors;
Increasing unemployment as a result of difficulties in the private sector.

Moreover, this decision will directly affect the welfare of citizens, who are already facing high cost of living and continued price increases in the essential sectors.

The LBK is earnestly seeking from ZRE that:

1. To immediately withdraw this proposal for increased tariffs.
2. To hold open and comprehensive consultations with the business community and interested parties to identify solutions that do not harm the local economy.
3. Consider the economic and social impact this decision will have on the private sector, consumers and the country's overall economy.

Kosovo needs policies that promote economic development, empower local production and protect the well-being of citizens, not measures that further burden the economic situation”.