Frident Kuqi's Elda company was the first to react by increasing the price of diesel by almost 4 lek per liter. At many of Elda's gas stations, diesel is currently being sold at 179 lek per liter, up from 175 lek the day before.
The fuel market is one of the most problematic in Albania, reflecting in real time the increase in prices, but is very slow to reflect their decline. A day ago, the hydrocarbons association warned that the price of oil could increase by up to 40 lek per liter.
This statement has caused a reaction from Socialist MP Erjon Braçe, who has directly accused the hydrocarbons association of being a cartel.
"The hydrocarbon cartel, which acts as an association, has said it will increase the price by 20 lek for 48 hours, up to 40 lek per liter in the future! Their reason – the stock market!! When you tolerate them, they do everything, even make you look stupid," Braçe wrote on social media.
The socialist MP has also provided arguments that, according to him, prove that the fuel market is a cartel.
"The price of oil at the pump today is 173 lek. It's been like that for a year and hasn't moved a single day! The stock market changed, the dollar and euro collapsed and the price of these didn't change, zero, not a penny! Now the price will change in 48 hours from the war?" writes Braçe.
He has requested immediate measures to stop the abuse, also proposing the reinstatement of the Fuel Board.
"I also told my colleagues in the Socialist Party this morning: when abuse is rampant, the countermeasure must be quick and effective! Otherwise, we will pay for the abuse as citizens and as a government, they will simply get richer! Last thing; the Hydrocarbons Board that was used during the war in Ukraine – has never been declared unconstitutional! If it is professional and focused on the public interest, it could be one of the countermeasures against abuse," concludes Braçe.
Editorial
