The Hydrocarbon Authority intends to launch a third tender by the end of September for Montenegro’s mandatory diesel reserves. An earlier procurement with a budget of approximately €11 million was cancelled after higher international fuel prices reduced the volume that could be purchased within the available allocation.
The state is responsible for procuring 60% of the mandatory reserve requirement. Private-sector operators, including Jugopetrol, INA Crna Gora and Petrol Crna Gora, are responsible for the remaining 40% and have reportedly completed their purchases.
The original state procurement envisaged approximately 16,500 tonnes, equivalent to around 19.6 million litres, of diesel. Price movements would have reduced the available quantity by about 6 million litres under the previous budget.
The authority aims to secure and store the first state-owned reserve quantities by the end of 2026. Until that process is completed, Montenegro remains more exposed to supply interruptions and short-term price shocks than a country with fully established physical reserves.
The revised tender will need to balance volume, storage arrangements, fuel quality, delivery timing and price-indexation rules. A further failed procurement would increase pressure for a larger budget or a phased acquisition programme.
