Delina Ibrahimaj said today that the government is ready to take additional measures if international prices continue to rise.
Speaking in Parliament, Ibrahimaj addressed the measures taken to manage price increases caused by tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global markets.
She responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Enno Bozdo.
Ibrahimaj said rising international oil prices directly affect Albania. She noted that higher fuel prices increase transport costs, pressure businesses and affect citizens’ purchasing power.
However, she stressed that the main question is not whether Albania can stop the crisis. Instead, she said the focus should be on how the government protects citizens and preserves economic stability.
According to Ibrahimaj, the government acted early and responsibly. She said authorities avoided panic, speculation and risky promises.
Furthermore, she said the government focused on market monitoring, transparency and targeted support.
Ibrahimaj stressed that preserving stability remains the government’s main priority.
She said authorities immediately contacted fuel suppliers after tensions in the Middle East escalated and after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The government also created monitoring groups to prevent fuel price speculation and unjustified price increases.
In addition, authorities monitored prices of basic consumer goods.
Ibrahimaj highlighted the role of the Fuel Transparency Board. The board sets price ceilings and controls wholesale and retail profit margins.
According to her, international fuel prices have increased by 67% to 87% since the crisis began. Meanwhile, fuel prices in Albania rose more moderately.
She cited INSTAT data showing that fuel prices increased by 18% to 21% in March and April 2026 compared to the same period last year.
She said government intervention, market monitoring and cooperation with operators helped limit the impact on local consumers.
Moreover, Ibrahimaj said Albania recorded inflation of 2.8% in April 2026. She described the figure as close to the target of the Bank of Albania.
She added that Albania currently has one of the lowest inflation rates in the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe.
For comparison, she noted that inflation reached 3.3% in Serbia, 3.8% in Montenegro and 5.7% in North Macedonia.
According to Ibrahimaj, food inflation also remained low. She said food inflation stood at 1.2% in April.
She also stressed that electricity prices remained stable for consumers.
Furthermore, Ibrahimaj said the government continues to support public transport. She noted that lower-income groups benefit the most from these subsidies.
The minister also highlighted positive economic indicators. She said Albania registered 3,760 new businesses in the first two months of 2026, up 14.6% from last year.
In addition, total business turnover increased by 8.1% in the first quarter of the year.
Imports of food, beverages and tobacco also increased, which according to Ibrahimaj reflects higher household consumption.
Finally, Ibrahimaj said the government will immediately activate new social measures if Albanian families face greater economic pressure.
However, she warned against unnecessary interventions when markets function normally. She said such actions could lead to poor management of public resources.
/a.c/
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