Eight hydrocarbon companies have sued the government in the Administrative Court, seeking around 11.8 million euros in damages. According to the operators, the losses were caused by the method used to determine fuel prices during the operation of the Transparency Board.

The companies claim that the formula used to calculate the price did not reflect the real cost of import, as it only took into account the value of the fuel at the place of purchase, without including all additional costs, such as transport and insurance until its arrival in Albania. According to them, in practice they paid a higher cost for bringing the fuel into the country, creating financial losses.

Another objection relates to the way VAT is calculated. Operators argue that, while the maximum selling price is set on a lower cost basis, tax liabilities are calculated on the total import value, resulting in an additional cost for companies.

They also say that the formula adopted in 2022 no longer reflects changes in the market and the increase in expenses over recent years, including inflation, salaries, insurance and other operating costs. According to the companies, this methodology has also reduced profit margins and created financial difficulties, especially for smaller operators.

The case is now expected to be reviewed by the Administrative Court.