Serbia has prolonged a temporary reduction in fuel excise duties alongside restrictions on exports of crude oil and petroleum products. The government said the steps are intended to protect domestic availability amid supply concerns.
Fuel excise duty reduction extended
The reduced excise rates will remain in force until 9 August. The applicable duty is set at €0.52 per litre for leaded petrol, €0.49 per litre for unleaded petrol, and €0.50 per litre for gas oils, including diesel. The previous extension was due to expire on 2 August. By renewing the measure for another week, the government continued short-cycle intervention in fuel taxation rather than moving to a longer-term adjustment.
Export prohibition on crude and petroleum products prolonged
A temporary prohibition on exports of crude oil and petroleum products has also been extended. The restrictions were initially scheduled to end on 31 July, but will now remain in effect until 31 August. The government presented the export curbs as a safeguard against disruptions in international energy markets that could lead to domestic shortages.
Budget impact and market effects for buyers
The measures combine a tax concession aimed at moderating retail prices with a trade restriction designed to keep physical volumes inside Serbia. For the state budget, repeated excise reductions create a direct revenue cost. For fuel distributors and industrial consumers, the export restriction reduces the risk of scarcity while limiting the ability to respond freely to regional price signals.
Pančevo refinery and inventory management context
The policy is linked to Serbia’s refining and supply structure, including the strategic importance of the Pančevo refinery. Serbia depends on imported crude and continues to manage petroleum inventories conservatively. Fuel-market intervention is therefore described as serving both consumer-price moderation and security-of-supply objectives.
The repeated short extensions mean refiners, wholesalers, transport operators and large industrial buyers must plan procurement under changing policy conditions. Companies have limited visibility over future tax rates and trade rules as decisions can shift from week to week.
