Fuel and Strategy: Why 4 Million Euros Sit Idle While No Fuel Reserves Exist?
Drivers in Montenegro have been paying an extra three cents per liter of fuel since February. This money, mandated by law as a fee to form strategic fuel reserves, is collected in a special account at the Central Bank. So far, about 4.2 million euros have been gathered. But where is the fuel?
Money Sitting, No Reserves
Although the money is intended for purchasing strategic reserves, the fuel has not yet been bought. The problem? There is no sufficient storage space for these reserves. So, the state charges an extra fee but does not use the collected money for its intended purpose — securing fuel supply.
Why Is This Happening?
The law on the security of supply of petroleum products was adopted at the end of last year, and the three-cent per liter fee was introduced to form reserves. However, without adequate storage facilities, buying fuel is impossible. This means drivers pay but have no guarantee of protection in case of a crisis.
Who Benefits?
While the money piles up in the account, drivers and citizens remain uncertain. Is this another example of poor management of state resources? Or is it just disorganization and lack of planning?
What’s Next?
While waiting for the government’s decision on further steps, the additional fee remains in effect. Drivers will continue to pay three cents per liter, and the question is when or if the strategic reserves will ever be formed.
Conclusion
This is a classic case of money being collected but not used for its intended purpose. While citizens pay, the state fails to ensure fuel supply security. If this seems like just another story of inefficiency and mismanagement, you’re not far off.
What do you think? Is it fair to pay an extra fee for something that doesn’t exist? Or is it time someone finally tackled this problem? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll find a solution or at least a good joke about this mess!
