Regulated fuel prices in Serbia increased on 17 July, adding further pressure on transport operators, construction companies, agricultural businesses and other fuel-intensive sectors. The maximum retail price of Eurodiesel rose to RSD222 per litre, equivalent to approximately €1.89, while BMB 95 petrol increased to RSD198 per litre, or around €1.69. The new prices remain in effect until 24 July. At the same time, the government-maintained subsidised diesel price for agricultural producers at RSD184 per litre.
Fuel Costs Increase for Freight and Construction Sectors
The Serbian government has extended the regulated fuel pricing mechanism into August and continued using temporary excise duty reductions to limit the impact of international crude oil market movements on domestic prices. The measures provide support for households and businesses by reducing the immediate effect of higher fuel costs. Lower excise revenues place pressure on public income from fuel taxation.
Diesel remains a key operating cost for road transport companies, construction contractors and agricultural producers. Since the second half of June, the price of diesel has increased by RSD5 per litre, raising operating expenses for vehicle fleets before accounting for additional costs such as wages, tolls, maintenance and financing. Companies working under fixed-price infrastructure contracts and transport operators that cannot quickly adjust service tariffs face the strongest impact on profit margins.
Agricultural Diesel Subsidy Creates Price Gap
The continued subsidised price for agricultural diesel has created a difference of RSD38 per litre compared with commercial diesel prices. The lower agricultural fuel price provides support during the harvest period, but its effectiveness depends on managing eligible quantities, administrative controls and preventing fuel resale outside approved agricultural use.
Serbia enters the second half of the year with available liquidity and continued access to institutional and private borrowing sources. The broader challenge remains directing financial resources across priorities including borrowing requirements, energy infrastructure corridors, hospital construction, digital trade compliance and land reform.
