Energy experts report that Croatia is not at risk of fuel shortages, though diesel and gas prices are expected to remain high or increase due to global market conditions.

Croatia is not facing a genuine fuel shortage, according to energy expert Jasminko Umičević. While supply remains stable, Umičević warns that diesel prices are likely to rise again next week due to global market disruptions, refining capacity constraints in Europe, and geopolitical tensions affecting oil transit.

Refining Capacity and Global Supply Issues

The European market faces a structural deficit in diesel production, with refining capacity having decreased by 30 percent over the last two decades. Umičević notes that Europe relies heavily on diesel, yet it lacks sufficient local production to meet demand. Supply chains have been further complicated by shifts away from Russian imports toward Arab countries, alongside recent tactical attacks on refineries in Ukraine.

Status of the Rijeka Refinery

The Rijeka refinery is critical to Croatia's domestic supply, though its operations were briefly interrupted on Friday by a lightning strike on a substation. The facility is currently not operating at full capacity as it awaits the completion of necessary tests. It is expected to reach full operational capacity next year, which will further reduce the country's dependence on imports.

Natural Gas Storage and Pricing

Croatia is on track to meet its goal of filling the Okoli gas storage facility to 85 percent capacity by October 1. While current market conditions make it unprofitable for private users to store gas due to higher current prices compared to future prices, the state-owned company HEP has been tasked with meeting the storage target. Officials expect sufficient gas availability, though prices remain subject to fluctuation and state subsidies.