Since the beginning of the conflict in Iran, fuel prices in the country have remained at high levels for almost three months, affecting the costs of public transport operators.

In order for operators to not quickly find themselves financially unable to cover the costs of high oil prices, it is requested to extend the compensation benefit period by another 3 months, specifically for the months of July-September.

At the last government meeting, the decision was approved to provide fuel compensation at the level of 50 lek per liter for a 3-month period from March to May.
In a letter addressed to the government, including the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy, the Public Urban Transport Association, representing urban, suburban, and intercity public transport operators, has requested an extension of the implementation deadline for this support measure for an additional period of 3 months.

"In conditions where fuel constitutes one of the main costs of public transport activity, the continuation of high prices has brought a significant increase in the economic burden on transport entities, making it difficult to fulfill financial obligations and guarantee the normal continuity of public service to citizens.

Thus, we request that measures be taken to extend the deadline for financial compensation at the rate of 50 lek/liter of fuel for the period July-September 2026, continuing with the same procedures, criteria and documentation set out in the normative act in force.

"We also assess that the continuation of this support measure is necessary to guarantee the continuity and stability of public transport service; avoid reductions in fleet and service frequencies; protect the citizen interest and affordability of public transport; maintain the financial balance of licensed operators in the sector," the letter states.

Before approving the provision of compensation for covering the costs of rising oil prices, the National Association of Urban Transport and the Association of Urban and Interurban Transport sent several letters to the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance and Municipalities regarding the financial difficulties that the high price of oil is causing to public transport operators.

On April 1, the operators also held a meeting with the Minister of Economy Delina Ibrahimaj, where they requested the implementation of a similar scheme from 2022, where due to the price crisis, operators were compensated for 6 months for oil at 100 lek per liter.

Due to the failure to meet their demands, the operators blocked the movement of citizens by bus in Tirana and the surrounding areas for almost two days, reducing the number of vehicles by up to 60%./Monitor