Albania is the first country in the Region, fifth in Europe and seventh in the world for the highest oil price.
At gas stations, a liter of diesel costs an average of 170 lekë, with the current exchange rate of $2.09.
In the Western Balkans, Serbia ranks second with a liter of diesel selling for around $1.92 at gas stations. Compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia or Kosovo, fuel in Albania costs almost twice as much.
"Compared to Kosovo, Macedonia or Montenegro, there is a big difference. We are much more expensive," said several drivers.
In Europe, the most expensive oil prices are in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Denmark and Iceland. Albania, ranked fifth, meanwhile leaves behind countries like Ireland or Monaco of the world's richest people. In the world, Hong Kong is the country with the highest price for a liter of oil, over $3.56.
"We've lost our minds. Prices have gone up. It's not pleasant... Too expensive compared to the salaries we receive," said several drivers.
Every liter of diesel sold at gas stations is made up of the price at which the fuel is purchased on the stock exchange and taxes and fees applied by the government. On the stock exchange, the price of crude oil has fallen to 689 dollars per ton, from 750 a month ago. Also, the dollar continues to depreciate. Fuel prices should therefore be cheaper.
"We urge the prime minister to open the refineries so that the price can be reduced. These are the lowest prices in recent years," said several drivers, according to A2 CNN.
Albania imported more fuel last year than ever before. Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that over 671 thousand tons of fuel were purchased from abroad between January and November.
