The Government of Montenegro has amended its pellet price-control decision, setting maximum prices of 250 euros per tonne for A2 and 270 euros per tonne for A1 pellets. The rules apply to all packaging and prohibit extra charges, while requiring producers and traders to maintain supplies at no less than their average deliveries over the previous 12 months.
The price cap took effect at the beginning of the month to help citizens prepare for the heating season. The government’s amendment clarifies the rules for the Montenegrin market after citizens reported that some producers and traders were adding transport and packaging charges, circumventing the purpose of the cap. The revised decision also seeks to prevent a reduction in pellet availability.
Under the decision, no other fees or costs may be charged on top of the pellet price. The maximum price for A1 pellets is 270 euros per tonne, regardless of packaging, while the A2 ceiling is 250 euros per tonne on the same basis.
Milutin Butorović, minister without portfolio and coordinator of inspection services, said the government had “listened to citizens’ needs” and concluded that prices needed to be limited. He also said the government’s aim was not to visit and harass businesses every day, but that inspectors had to act in response to the large number of complaints from citizens.
Inspections and compliance
Five inspection services took part in oversight of the decision. Inspectors carried out 41 checks, issued 10 penalty notices totalling 4,700 euros and filed one request to initiate misdemeanour proceedings. In 13 cases, they identified irregularities and pointed to the need to remedy them.
Butorović said inspections would continue in the coming period. He also said inspection actions would be repeated at pellet producers that were closed on the day of an inspection operation. The government’s rules prohibit producers and traders from delivering to the Montenegrin market quantities below their average for the last 12 months.
Butorović said he was willing to talk with producers to seek a long-term solution that would take account of production costs and citizens’ needs. Whether pellets remain available at the regulated prices will depend on how the amended decision is applied on the ground.
