Fuel excise reduction extended to 9 August
Serbia has extended a temporary reduction in fuel excise duties, keeping the reduced rates in place until 9 August. The applicable duty remains €0.52 per litre for leaded petrol, €0.49 per litre for unleaded petrol and €0.50 per litre for gas oils, including diesel. The previous extension was set to expire on 2 August, and the renewed measure covers another week.
The government said the continuation reflects ongoing short-cycle intervention in fuel taxation rather than a longer-term adjustment.
Export ban on crude and petroleum products prolonged to 31 August
Alongside the excise change, Serbia has prolonged restrictions on exports of crude oil and petroleum products. The temporary prohibition was initially scheduled to end on 31 July, but it will now remain in effect until 31 August. The government presented the two measures as safeguards against disruptions in international energy markets and the risk of domestic shortages.
The policy combines a tax concession aimed at moderating retail prices with a trade restriction intended to retain physical product availability inside Serbia.
Budget impact and supply-management considerations
Repeated excise reductions create a direct revenue cost for the state budget. For fuel distributors and industrial consumers, the export restriction reduces the risk of scarcity while also limiting the ability to respond freely to regional price signals. The measures are linked to Serbia’s need to manage petroleum inventories conservatively.
This is particularly relevant due to the strategic importance of the Pančevo refinery, Serbia’s dependence on imported crude, and the role of inventory management in ensuring supply continuity.
Short extensions affect procurement planning across market participants
The repeated short extensions mean refiners, wholesalers, transport operators and large industrial buyers face limited visibility over future tax rates and trade conditions. Procurement planning continues to be shaped by policy decisions that can change from week to week.
