The Ministry of Energy and Mining, with the Government’s approval, has launched a public call to select a company that will implement mandatory marking of liquid fuels and biofuels on the Montenegrin market. The measure is intended to combat the grey economy, prevent illegal trade, strengthen fiscal discipline, and secure the energy system.
The initiative is based on the Fiscal Strategy of Montenegro 2024–2027, which identifies illegal fuel trade as a source of fiscal losses and market distortion. The new Energy Law requires the use of nano-technology markers to detect illicit fuels, improve quality control, and secure higher budget revenues through better excise collection.
According to estimates, the fiscal effect of fuel marking could reach around 14 million euros annually, though a conservative projection of five million euros per year has been included in medium-term revenue planning. The selected company will be required to use a unique marker for Montenegro: type A for excise fuels and type B for fuels exempt from excise, while also establishing an information system accessible to all relevant authorities.
The maximum service price is set at 0.8 cents per liter (8 euros per 1,000 liters). Offers may be submitted until October 31 to the Ministry of Energy and Mining in Podgorica.
Fuel marking will be conducted at border crossings during import, using nano-technology compounds that do not alter fuel properties or harm the environment. The markers must be detectable through both field and laboratory forensic techniques, ensuring results that are legally valid in case of disputes.
Obliged entities include legal persons and entrepreneurs engaged in wholesale or retail of liquid fuels and biofuels in Montenegro, as well as owners of storage facilities with capacity over two cubic meters. The system aims to ensure full traceability of fuels, eliminate unfair competition, strengthen fiscal stability, and protect consumers and the environment.
