North Macedonia’s fuel mix in 2025: diesel leads, imports dominate, and gas remains structurally constrained

North Macedonia’s energy demand is being met with a fuel mix that is still heavily skewed toward diesel, even as overall consumption trends point to broader pressure on supply. The latest annual report from the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission (RKE) shows diesel remained the dominant product in 2025, underscoring both the maturity of the transport-fuel market and the country’s continued exposure to import dependence.

Diesel dominates; petrol and fuel oil follow

According to the RKE report, diesel represented more than 74% of total fuel consumption during the past year. Unleaded petrol accounted for 11.74%, while fuel oil made up 6.61%. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) represented 5.22% of the market structure—smaller than diesel and petrol, but still part of the national fuel mix.

Demand rises in most categories, but jet fuel drops sharply

The report indicates that overall consumption increased across several categories in 2025. Petrol usage rose by 8.34% compared with 2024, while diesel demand grew by 5.17%. RKE data also recorded increases in LPG demand and extra-light heating oil consumption.

Not all segments moved higher: jet fuel consumption fell by more than 53%. The regulator also noted smaller declines in biodiesel and fuel oil use, pointing to uneven demand dynamics across end uses.

Import dependence remains high and supply is regionally concentrated

North Macedonia continues to rely heavily on imported petroleum products because of limited domestic refining capacity. Around 87% of imported fuel volumes came from Greece, while Bulgaria supplied just over 9%. Smaller quantities were imported from Albania and Serbia, leaving the supply structure concentrated within the region.

Regulatory steps and scrutiny over potential resale exports

RKE President Aco Ristov said the regulator completed the relicensing process for major oil companies in 2025, with an aim of supporting stable fuel supply conditions over the coming decade.

At the same time, the government has been investigating allegations that some companies may have engaged in resale activities—buying discounted fuel domestically and exporting it to neighboring markets. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated authorities received information suggesting some firms exported gasoline and diesel obtained at reduced prices from OKTA to other countries in the region.

Officials emphasized that North Macedonia has not imposed restrictions on fuel exports or re-exports, unlike some neighboring states. Still, they warned against speculative trading practices.

Natural gas use is limited; infrastructure gaps constrain access

Natural gas consumption in North Macedonia remains relatively small. RKE data says district heating plants and cogeneration facilities account for about 85% of total gas usage, while industrial consumers represent roughly 13%. Household consumption is minimal due to limited access to distribution infrastructure.

The regulator noted that eight companies imported natural gas during the past year, contributing to increased market competition. It also said Enerdzi Ekolink—based in Skopje and formerly known as Toplana Skopje Sever—obtained licenses for both heat production and heat supply operations.

Despite these developments, RKE said the sector remains constrained by underdeveloped infrastructure: there is no extensive national distribution network. Existing pipelines mainly connect the Bulgarian border to Skopje and a few industrial zones, leaving many regions and residential areas without access to natural gas.

The country is also fully dependent on imported gas supplied primarily via Bulgaria. Although gasification projects have been discussed for years, progress has been slow due to political, financial, and administrative challenges—leaving North Macedonia’s gas sector structurally underdeveloped compared with regional peers.