Over 80,000 tons of fuel were cleared during August, marking the highest monthly level recorded so far. The data was released by the General Directorate of Customs, according to which the increase in fuel quantities has also made a significant contribution to the month’s collections.
In total, customs revenues reached 22.8 billion lek during August this year, about 1.7 billion lek more compared to the same month last year.
Fuels are one of the main factors behind this performance. From excise duty alone, the increase in fuel-related revenues was 264 million lek, while in total, net excise duty collections increased by 502 million lek. Another contribution of 187 million lek came from cigarettes.
However, fuels have had an even greater impact on VAT collected on imports. According to Customs, revenues from this item increased by 1.1 billion lek compared to August 2025, with an additional 741 million lek coming from imported fuels alone.
We recall that Albania has the highest fuel prices in Europe.
But it seems that the more the price increases, the more consumption increases.
The increase in VAT was also influenced by other imported products, with 161 million lek more, as well as used cars, with an additional contribution of 146 million lek.
Meanwhile, customs duty revenues increased by 85 million lek, supported, among other things, by imports of clothing, meat, and metal constructions.
Mining royalties also marked an increase of 8 million lek, mainly as a result of higher quantities of minerals exported.