Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the Transport Operators Association, the continued rise in fuel prices, coupled with the absence of concrete government support measures, will make a new increase in transport prices inevitable, which will in turn drive up the cost of nearly all goods and services.

Djordjije Ljesnjak of the Association warned that the consequences would be even more severe if the Government once again opted to reduce excise duties without introducing a mechanism that would allow transport operators to retain the right to a partial refund of excise taxes. 

“In that case, transport operators will be forced to increase the prices of their services even further simply to remain in business. The consequences of such an approach to the transport sector will not be borne by transport operators alone. Every increase in transport costs directly affects the prices of almost all goods and services, as transport is an indispensable part of every supply chain. This means that the ultimate burden will once again fall on citizens and businesses through higher prices and additional inflationary pressure,” Ljesnjak said in a press release.

He recalled that fuel prices have increased by more than 25 percent in recent months, while transport operators, in an effort to protect their clients and remain competitive, have raised transport prices by only 10 to 12 percent. 

Ljesnjak added that the difference has been covered from their own resources for months, leaving many companies operating on the edge of sustainability.