Montenegro warns of fuel shortages as truckers’ protests block key routes
The protests, which began on Monday, have led to blockades at border crossings in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, halting traffic along a major corridor connecting the European Union with Türkiye and the Middle East. Truck drivers say restrictive EU entry rules have left them at risk of deportation after exceeding Schengen stay limits.
The port of Bar, Montenegro’s largest entry point for overseas fuel imports and home to its main fuel depots, has been affected by the blockade. Montenegro has no domestic oil refining capacity.
In a statement late Tuesday, the Energy Ministry said it had requested urgent information from oil companies on fuel stocks and how long regular supplies could be maintained. The ministry warned that available supplies were now largely limited to fuel already at petrol stations, enough to keep the market running for only a few more days.
Authorities urged citizens to avoid panic buying and excessive fuel purchases. Police said truck drivers have permission to continue protesting until midday Thursday.
The truckers are demanding an extension of the permitted stay in the Schengen area, arguing that the volume of freight they transport causes them to reach visit limits too quickly.
