Citizens paid approximately 3 million euros more due to the diesel price increase, while the government took no measures on fuel prices for an entire week, SDSM responded.

The opposition claims the price hike is already having direct consequences on basic product prices, citing as an example that the price of cooking oil exceeds 100 denars.

SDSM previously proposed a package of measures including reducing VAT on fuels from 18% to 5%, cutting excise duties by four denars, and reducing VAT on basic food products.

Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will convene Monday to set new fuel prices. Current prices since March 10 are 79.5 denars per liter for Eurosuper BS-95, 81.5 for BS-98, 85.5 for eurodiesel, and 82.5 for extra light heating oil for households.

Global oil prices continue to rise, with crude oil recently surpassing the 00 per barrel level. The Middle East conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are limiting the possibilities for any significant reduction in domestic prices.