Fuel consumption structure and annual changes
Diesel remained the dominant fuel in North Macedonia during the past year, accounting for more than 74% of total fuel consumption, according to the latest annual report from the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission (RKE). The report also recorded that unleaded petrol represented 11.74% of total consumption in 2025, while fuel oil accounted for 6.61%. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) made up 5.22% of the market structure.
Overall fuel demand increased across several categories during the year. Petrol consumption rose by 8.34% compared with 2024, while diesel usage grew by 5.17%. The report also noted increases in LPG demand and extra-light heating oil consumption.
In contrast, jet fuel consumption fell by more than 53%. The report also cited smaller declines in biodiesel and fuel oil use.
Imported petroleum products and supply concentration
North Macedonia relies heavily on imported petroleum products due to limited domestic refining capacity. Around 87% of imported fuel volumes came from Greece, while Bulgaria supplied just over 9%. Smaller quantities were imported from Albania and Serbia.
The regulator described the supply structure as regionally concentrated based on those import sources. This pattern reflects the country’s dependence on external deliveries for petroleum products.
Licensing, alleged resale exports, and government position
RKE President Aco Ristov confirmed that the regulator completed the relicensing process for major oil companies in 2025. The stated aim was to ensure stable fuel supply conditions over the coming decade. At the same time, the government has been investigating allegations involving resale activities.
The allegations concern companies purchasing discounted fuel domestically and exporting it to neighboring markets. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said authorities received information suggesting firms exported gasoline and diesel obtained at reduced prices from OKTA to other countries in the region.
Officials emphasized that North Macedonia has not imposed restrictions on fuel exports or re-exports, unlike some neighboring states. They also warned against speculative trading practices.
Natural gas demand profile and market participation
Natural gas consumption in North Macedonia remains limited, according to RKE data. District heating plants and cogeneration facilities account for about 85% of total gas usage, while industrial consumers represent roughly 13%. Household consumption is minimal due to limited access to distribution infrastructure.
The regulator noted that eight companies imported natural gas during the past year, contributing to increased market competition. In addition, the Skopje-based company Enerdzi Ekolink, formerly known as Toplana Skopje Sever, obtained licenses for both heat production and heat supply operations.
Infrastructure constraints and dependence on imports via Bulgaria
The gas sector remains constrained by underdeveloped infrastructure. North Macedonia has no extensive national distribution network, with existing pipelines mainly connecting the Bulgarian border to Skopje and a few industrial zones. As a result, many regions and residential areas still lack access to natural gas.
The country is fully dependent on imported gas, primarily supplied via Bulgaria. Although gasification projects have been discussed for years, progress has been slow due to political, financial, and administrative challenges. This has left the sector structurally underdeveloped compared with regional peers.
