Long queues formed at gas stations across North Macedonia over the weekend, as a sudden surge in demand led to temporary diesel shortages at several locations, local reports said.
Residents in cities including Tetovo and Struga reported that some pumps ran out of diesel by midday Sunday, forcing drivers to search across towns for fuel, including at smaller stations. Some said the shortage created more uncertainty than during the pandemic, when supply chains were also under strain.
The spike in global oil prices above $100 per barrel, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, is testing North Macedonia’s economy, although authorities insist fuel supply remains stable. Brent crude exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in more than three years, reaching $101.19, up 9.2% from Friday’s close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $107.06 per barrel, a 16.2% increase over the previous week.
The price increases followed Israeli military strikes over the weekend targeting Iranian oil storage and loading terminals. Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels per day, mainly to China, which may seek alternative supplies if Iranian exports are disrupted, further driving global prices.
Authorities in North Macedonia say domestic fuel reserves are stable. The State Market Inspectorate reported conducting more than 270 inspections at gas stations nationwide over the past three days. Around 20 stations reported temporary shortages lasting one to two hours until tanks were refilled. Officials attributed the shortages to sudden demand surges, which at times were four times higher than normal.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the government is committed to keeping energy prices lower than neighboring countries. “Energy markets are sensitive and dynamic, changing by the hour. Economies are under significant pressure, and stability in many countries is being tested,” Mickoski said. He added that the goal is for citizens in North Macedonia to pay the lowest energy prices in the region, although a price increase is inevitable.
The government also cited the reopening of the Thessaloniki–Skopje pipeline, which spans 213.5 kilometers, as helping stabilize supply. Initially launched in 2002 for crude oil transport and adapted for diesel in 2013, the system has resumed operations.
Economy and Labor Minister Besar Durmishi said the government is closely monitoring global developments and is ready to respond if the crisis deepens. “If the conflict is short-lived, the situation may stabilize. If prolonged, there will be economic consequences, but the government is prepared to intervene—by limiting commercial margins or, if necessary, freezing prices on basic food products,” Durmishi told local business media.