Fuel marking is an integral part of the Energy Law, which, along with government amendments, will be discussed in Parliament at its next session. The expected budget revenue by the end of the year is projected to be five million euros, with full implementation potentially reaching around 14 million euros. However, these figures are uncertain due to the required procedures and alignment with the business community, as stated by the Ministry of Energy and Mining in a statement to Radio Montenegro.
After lengthy consultations, the Energy Law will be on the parliamentary agenda on March 12. It has been supplemented with 19 government amendments, one of which introduces a new section on marking liquid fuels, petroleum-based and biofuels, which are to be placed on the Montenegrin market or are intended for the supply of vessels in international maritime traffic.
This is one of the obligations in Montenegro’s EU accession process, as well as an expected budget revenue, in line with the fiscal strategy, estimated at five million euros in the first phase and potentially rising to 14 million euros if the system is fully implemented.
What exactly is fuel marking? Zorana Sekulić, the General Director of the Directorate for Energy, explained it.
“It is essentially based on nanotechnology, a special substance that does not affect the quality of the fuel but would identify, during inspection, whether the fuel comes from illegal trade. This will ensure an increase in budget revenues,” Sekulić said.
Combating the gray market in energy products is the main goal of the relevant inspection authorities, Sekulić clarified.
“Specifically, the marking will apply to motor gasoline, eurodiesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and biofuels placed on the Montenegrin market,” Sekulić added.
However, the technology involved is subject to public procurement procedures and the alignment of subordinate legislation, meaning the expected effects remain uncertain even after the law is adopted.
“The effects of this measure can only be assessed after the full implementation of this policy, which we expect to come into force by the end of 2025,” Sekulić stated.
She emphasized that all decisions will be made in cooperation with business associations and fuel distributors.
“Of course, the business sector, particularly oil companies, will be involved, so that together we can find the best technical solution and avoid creating business barriers through this process,” Sekulić said.
The rights and responsibilities of hydrocarbon inspectors tasked with overseeing fuel marking control have also been defined.
