Greece has expanded its support for motorists and businesses by increasing the state subsidy on diesel fuel, joining a growing number of Balkan countries introducing measures to cushion the impact of higher energy prices.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the government will add another €0.10 per litre to its diesel subsidy throughout August, bringing the total discount to €0.15 per litre. The measure, worth €30 million, is designed to ease transport costs, help businesses and reduce inflationary pressures. A separate €0.10-per-litre reduction in petrol prices will also remain in force.
The Greek government said the decision reflects growing uncertainty in global energy markets following renewed tensions in the Middle East and pledged to continue supporting households and businesses within the country’s fiscal limits.
Greece is not alone in intervening. Serbia has reduced fuel excise duties to keep diesel and petrol prices well below the levels they would otherwise have reached, while also maintaining discounted diesel for farmers and strategic fuel reserves.
Montenegro has temporarily lowered excise duties, keeping diesel at around €1.65 per litre instead of a projected €1.81, while petrol prices remain unchanged.
Albania continues to apply a mechanism that automatically reduces fuel excise duties when prices exceed a specified threshold and maintains controls on wholesale and retail fuel prices. Bosnia and Herzegovina is continuing to cap fuel retail margins to limit price increases, alongside controls on essential food products. Kosovo also continues to regulate maximum daily fuel prices based on import costs in an effort to prevent excessive increases at the pump.
In contrast, North Macedonia has not announced any new nationwide fuel subsidy, tax reduction or emergency support package during the current period. Fuel prices continue to be adjusted under the existing regulatory framework without additional government intervention.