Collusions for oil prices in the Parliament, opposition urges urgent measures, power opposes

The rise in oil derivative prices turned into the main topic of debate in the Kosovo Assembly during yesterday's session, prompting strong clashes between the opposition and the government.

Opposition MPs called for the removal of VAT and excise for oil, viewing it as a necessary step to ease the burden on citizens. According to them, part of the responsibility for price hikes falls on the government led by Albin Kurti, due to, as they said, lack of timely response.

Arben Mustafa from the PDK accused the executive of neglecting the price crisis, recalling similar situations in the past.

“We are going through a new wave of price hikes... this growth is coming not only from the outside, but from the inside as a result of this government's inaction,” he said, adding that a similar situation had occurred in 2022.

In the same line, chairman of The PDK, Bedri Hamza, criticised the government for failing to focus on economic welfare.

This Government is not taking care of economic development and standard of living, but is acting only for electoral benefits,” he said.

Severe criticism also came from the LDK. MP Avdullah Hoti estimated that the government's only intervention of the profit margin for the derivative companies is not enough and may even have negative effects.

With this measure, businesses carry all price hikes to the consumer... instead of protecting the citizen, he carries the burden fully,” said, warning of even the threat of market competition.

From the AAK ranks, Besnik Tahiri accused the government of lack of responsibility and efforts to avoid responsibility.

“Every time the country faces crisis, this government instead of offering solutions seeks to be victimised,” he said.

On the other hand, government representatives rejected opposition demands, calling them hasty and potentially harmful to the state budget.

Minister Mimoza Kusari-Lila stressed that VAT and excise removal may seem like a quick solution, but it is not sustainable.

These are easy decisions that can cause serious damage. Real analysis is needed, and policies that protect the most felt,” she said.

Finance Minister Iron Murati also voiced opposition to this idea, arguing that the effect for citizens would be minimal, while losses to the considerable budget.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti recalled that the demand for tax removal on fuels has been made even earlier, but has not been accepted by his government.

“This is not the first time you've ever asked for this... I've never done it and I've won even more,” he said, adding that citizens do not support such a policy.

Speaking of inflation, Kurti stressed that he is largely influenced by external factors.

“Inflation imported, not source... Kosovo has no oil resources,”, he said, linking prices to global developments in energy markets.

The debate is expected to continue in the coming days, while high fuel prices remain one of the main concerns for citizens.