Motorists in Montenegro have seen only partial relief from falling global fuel prices after the government moved to restore most of the temporarily reduced excise duties introduced earlier this year. The measure applies to retail fuel pricing through changes to excise rates.
Excise changes adopted late and applied immediately
The decision was adopted late at night, just before the deadline for calculating new retail fuel prices, and it entered into force immediately. Public announcement came only the following morning, several hours after implementation had already started. This sequence has raised questions about transparency in the timing of policy changes.
Diesel and petrol excise rates under the revised structure
Under the revised structure, the excise duty on diesel was restored to its full level of €0.44 per liter. Excise rates for the two petrol grades were increased to 95% of the standard rate, reaching €0.5215 per liter. The full rate for petrol is €0.549 per liter.
Relative to pre-crisis levels in February, fuel prices remain significantly higher. Diesel is now around €0.32 per liter more expensive, while petrol grades are up by approximately €0.25–€0.26 per liter. Higher fuel costs have also increased VAT revenues because the 21% tax is applied to the final retail price, including excise duties.
Temporary relief introduced on 20 March and later reversed
The government initially introduced temporary relief on 20 March, cutting diesel excise duties by 50% and reducing petrol duties by 25%. As international fuel prices declined later, authorities reversed part of those reductions over time. This limited how much retail prices could fall.
The timing of fiscal adjustments has drawn attention because excise changes have often been introduced only hours before new fuel prices take effect. Critics point to predictability and transparency concerns linked to how excise obligations are triggered when fuel imports are declared to customs authorities.
