The Government of North Macedonia has approved the declaration of a crisis situation in the electricity supply system nationwide, following disruptions in fuel procurement caused by protests in neighboring Greece.
The decision was made during a Government session based on a proposal from the national crisis management coordination body, which determined that electricity producers are currently unable to secure sufficient fuel oil needed for electricity generation. Local media report that the measure is expected to take effect within seven days.
Under the emergency framework, the country’s electricity distribution operator will be allowed to access fuel from state reserves free of charge. This step aims to stabilize electricity generation and prevent additional strain on the electricity system. State-owned producer ESM had previously warned that the protests in Greece were affecting fuel oil supplies. Although fuel oil is used in limited volumes, it remains important for certain stages of electricity production. Delays in coal deliveries have also compounded operational challenges.
According to the Ministry of Energy, national strategic reserves currently hold over 10,000 tons of fuel oil, which authorities plan to deploy to mitigate immediate risks to electricity supply and maintain system reliability during the crisis period.