Croatia will no longer regulate fuel prices every two weeks, ending a three-year-long policy of government-imposed caps on retail prices of petroleum products, the Ministry of Economy said on Sunday.
The decision follows what the ministry described as a comprehensive review of global market trends. The government had been setting maximum retail fuel prices since 2022 in response to volatility sparked by energy crises and inflationary pressures.
Oil companies welcomed the move as a step toward a more competitive and sustainable energy market.
Croatian oil company INA said it supports the termination of the government decree, calling it “a step toward a long-term sustainable and market-oriented business environment.”
“We believe this measure will contribute to greater market flexibility and enable further service improvements and investments,” INA said in a statement.
Petrol Group, a major regional energy company, also backed the liberalisation, stating that the decision marks a shift from price control to a more open and accountable market model.
“The liberalisation of fuel prices is justified and necessary, coming at a time of market stability,” Petrol said. “Only in an open market can we invest strongly in renewable energy and infrastructure while ensuring a stable and affordable supply for citizens.”
The company said the decision by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar would allow the energy industry to focus on long-term strategic development rather than short-term market shocks.
Petrol added that it has already invested in over 100 electric charging stations, solar and wind power projects, and digital energy solutions across Croatia and the region.
It said lifting price controls would accelerate new projects aligned with national and EU climate targets, while maintaining a balance between business stability and consumer affordability.