Crisis plan adopted to address disruptions in the supply of petroleum products

The Government, at the proposal of the Ministry of Energy and Mining, adopted a Crisis Plan for Resolving Disruptions in the Supply of Petroleum Products, which for the first time provides a defined response system in the event of serious disruptions in the fuel market.

The Ministry explained that this is one of the most important steps that the department has taken in the field of energy security, with the aim of protecting citizens and the economy even in conditions of global crises and instability in the energy market.

The plan was prepared over a long period of time, through intensive work by the Ministry and other competent institutions, in line with European standards and practices of the EU and the Energy Community.

"Although the fuel supply in Montenegro is currently orderly and stable, international circumstances show how quickly disruptions can occur in the global oil market. Geopolitical tensions, uncertainties around key transport routes, as well as warnings from the International Energy Agency about possible disruptions and price increases, further confirm how important it is for the state to have a pre-prepared action plan," the statement said.

The crisis plan, as explained, precisely defines what the state does in the event of a supply problem, who makes decisions, how fuel reserves are activated, and how citizens and the economy are protected.

"Special emphasis is placed on the protection of priority beneficiaries, so in potential crisis situations, priority will be given to healthcare institutions, public services, emergency services and sectors of particular importance for the normal functioning of the state and the daily lives of citizens," the Ministry said.

The plan also foresees the possibility of introducing special measures to stabilize the market and protect citizens' standards, as well as clear coordination of all competent institutions so that the state's response is quick and efficient.

Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović explained that this is a document that represents an important step forward in strengthening state security and protecting citizens.

"Until now, Montenegro has not had such a clearly defined crisis mechanism in the event of serious disruptions in fuel supply. That is why we approached this task very seriously and responsibly. Our goal was for the state to be prepared for unexpected events and for citizens to know that the system has an answer even in the most demanding circumstances. Energy security today means the security of the state, the economy and every household," said Šahmanović.

One of the important principles of the plan is transparent public information, so that citizens have accurate and timely information at all times and to avoid uncertainty or market destabilization.

"By adopting this plan, the Ministry of Energy and Mining confirms that energy security remains one of the key priorities of state policy, with a clear message that Montenegro now has a ready, organized and responsible system for responding in the event of disruptions in the supply of petroleum products," the statement concludes.