FUEL RELIEF MEASURE TAKES EFFECT IN SRPSKA FROM TOMORROW

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 14 /SRNA/ – A decision under which Republika Srpska waives 10 pfennigs of excise duty on fuel will take effect tomorrow and remain in force until May 16, Minister of Trade and Tourism Ned Puhovac announced.

A total of 118 fuel stations are participating, ensuring coverage across the entire territory. Puhovac explained that the measure represents direct support amid disruptions in the petroleum products market, allowing citizens to receive a refund of 10 pfennigs per liter of fuel, adding that all legal and technical conditions for implementation have been met. "Among the first to apply for participation in implementing this decision were Hifa Petrol Sarajevo, Madžar Gradiška, Krajinapetrol Banja Luka, Trigma Banja Luka, Nestropetrol Banja Luka, Pemako Banja Luka, Sana Kolp Banja Luka, Despotović Bijeljina, Vicanović Laktaši, and Leburić Komerc Prnjavor," Puhovac said. He added that the list of companies is not final, noting that representatives of Nešković and Petrol Companies have not responded to the ministry's emails. Puhovac emphasized that the decision will provide significant support to citizens, especially farmers, who, alongside subsidized fuel, will receive an additional 10 pfennigs per liter. He noted that Republika Srpska is foregoing the full amount of excise revenue allocated to it under the BiH Law on Excise Duties in favor of its citizens. "Those who claim otherwise should read the BiH Law on Excise Duties, which clearly states what belongs to Srpska, instead of trying to score cheap political points on TikTok," he stressed. According to Puhovac, fuel consumption in Republika Srpska averages around 55 million liters per month, including 47 million liters of diesel, meaning that approximately BAM 5.5 million will be required to implement the measure.