Public transport associations in the country have warned of a possible service disruption starting next week due to rising costs and a lack of institutional support.
According to sector representatives, the increase in fuel prices, along with rising maintenance and spare parts costs, has placed operators in a difficult financial situation. They emphasize that, without immediate government intervention, around 450 public transport lines risk suspending their operations.
The Urban Transport Association and the Urban and Interurban Transport Association have once again addressed a letter to the relevant ministries, requesting information on the progress of reviewing their demands and concrete support measures. According to them, despite a meeting held on April 1, there has still been no official response or a follow-up meeting, which had been promised for April 7.
Operators are calling for the urgent approval of a support package, with a primary focus on compensating fuel costs. They propose a scheme similar to that of 2022, with a compensation level of 100 ALL per liter of diesel, as a necessary measure to stabilize the sector.
At the national level, the public transport sector includes around 235 licensed operators, operating approximately 450 regular routes. According to the associations, the lack of institutional response is increasing financial uncertainty and jeopardizing the continuity of services for citizens.
In addition to fuel compensation, operators are also requesting fiscal relief measures, including reductions in excise duty, circulation tax, and VAT.
They warn that failure to act in time will not only affect their economic activity but will also directly impact the public interest and the normal functioning of urban and interurban life in the country.
The post Fuel Prices: Transport Associations Warn Ministries – Public Services at Risk appeared first on Euronews Albania.
