Albania is Europe’s 3rd poorest country, but there is one aspect that makes it similar to the richest countries of the continent.
According to Global Petroleum prices, Albania is the 13th country in the world for the highest gas price.
Albanian citizens pay 178 ALL or 1.65 USD per liter. The price in Germany and Netherlands is cheaper. The reasons for the absurd price are the government taxes.
“The tax system we use for fuels is the highest. We have special taxes that don’t apply in other countries”, says Luigj Aliaj, from the Association of Fuel Companies.
For every liter of diesel, which costs 180 ALL, 100 go to the government as taxes and the rest is the real cost for the gas. This is the reason why the gas price in Albania never gets lower, even if it is sold for free in world markets.
Despite the heavy burden, the government keeps adding taxes even through concessions.
“The government is preparing a tax that will be paid to private operators for inspecting gas pumps. This will be an added cost to the gas price”, Aliaj said.
Many experts say that the higher gas price has damaged the economy, making Albanian businesses less competitive.
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