The House of Representatives approved amendments allowing temporary reductions in excise duties on oil products, aiming to reduce economic strain on citizens and businesses amid volatile energy prices.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s House of Representatives adopted amendments to the Law on Excise Duties on 16 March 2026, enabling the Council of Ministers to reduce or abolish excise duties on diesel, petrol, kerosene, heating oil, and biofuel for up to six months within a fiscal year. The changes were approved under urgent procedure and now await consent from the House of Peoples to take effect.
The amendments were proposed to address the direct impact of rising oil prices on the economy and citizens, bypassing the usual requirement for prior consent from the Governing Board of the Indirect Tax Authority. The House emphasised the need for swift legislative action due to serious disruptions in the oil derivatives market and unpredictable future developments.
Alongside excise duty changes, the House considered multiple draft laws under urgent procedure, including amendments to the Law on Salaries and Allowances in institutions, and measures targeting the prevention of terrorism financing. The legislative session also addressed cultural initiatives, such as the nomination of Bogdan Bogdanović’s architectural works for UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The House instructed the Council of Ministers to act promptly on the excise duties amendments and other legislative priorities, highlighting the government’s focus on mitigating economic pressures and ensuring market stability for essential energy products.
