Bosnian government reaches deal with fuel distributors

In Bosnia, fuel distributors in Bosnia’s autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation agreed a deal with the regional government to cut fuel prices after drivers repeatedly blocked roads in protest against rising prices, a government minister told Reuters. The Federation government decided to take action after traffic jams disrupted life in several Bosnian cities after prices were first increased in February after an increase in biofuel excise taxes. Since the average monthly pay is about 400 Euros, protestors are asking the government to keep fuel prices under 1 Euro per liter.

“We have reached a consensus there will be no further hikes of fuel prices,” Federation Trade Minister Zlatan Vujovic was quoted as saying by Fena news agency after his meeting with oil distributors in the southern town of Mostar.

“Fuel will be cheaper at some oil stations even from tomorrow,” said Vujovic, adding the government and the distributors had agreed on the rationalisation of operations and lower costs for distributors so that the prices could go down.