English
I want to assure the citizens that we will have a stable winter, with a steady supply of energy resources and no fluctuations in price or quantity, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said today.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mickoski noted that the Government is working to ensure that, starting in January, the price of electricity is either lowered or the low-tariff period is extended. Regarding gas, the Prime Minister does not anticipate any shocks, although he acknowledges the possibility that prices across Europe could double or even triple.
The rise in electricity prices is occurring on the wider markets, not just here. Since this Government took office, the price of electricity paid by citizens has not increased, and it will remain that way. We are addressing this issue, aiming for the price to at least remain the same from January onwards, while also working towards a price reduction or an extension of the lower-tariff period. We managed our hydro reservoir levels prudently; they are currently at about 50 percent capacity, and maintenance work on the thermal power plants is either underway or nearing completion. Weather forecasts indicate that the full heating season will begin between November 2 and 5; all preparations will be finished by then—though three-quarters of the work is already complete, the Prime Minister stated. According to him, Macedonia signed the coal purchase agreement with Kosovo in a timely manner, which will significantly reduce the production cost per megawatt-hour of electricity at our generation facilities.
We have water. Regarding the heating season and electricity supplies, I do not anticipate any turbulence. I expect the situation to remain at least as it is now, with no price hikes or spikes. As for gas, we are not a major consumer. Reserves are 25–50 percent below the five-year European average, and Europe will face a major challenge due to the current situation. I expect gas prices to potentially double or even triple this winter, but this will not have a major impact on us because we primarily use cogeneration plants; these simultaneously produce hot water for heating and then generate electricity from the steam, thereby offsetting input costs. So, considering that we are not a large consumer and given the technology we use, I do not expect any shocks, Mickoski emphasized.
Regarding oil, he added that calculations are underway, and measures are already in place.
We are prepared, and that is the success achieved by this Government—allowing both domestic consumption and re-export. Unlike other countries, we are not imposing a ban on the re-export of oil and petroleum products. We already have lower excise duties and a state of crisis has been declared; as a result of these measures, the price of gasoline is up to half a euro per liter lower compared to our neighbors in the region. This has led to a consumption increase of up to 50 percent at some gas stations, particularly in border areas. Furthermore, we are in daily contact with importers and are confident that there are sufficient supplies—the pipeline is full and state reserves are solid—so I see no reason for concern regarding the winter ahead. What worries me is how long all of this will last—a question no one in the world can answer—regarding the duration of the crisis, said Mickoski.