Croatian government ready to cap energy prices if Middle East crisis drives costs up

The Croatian government is prepared to intervene and cap energy prices if global tensions in the Middle East trigger a significant rise in fuel costs, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Wednesday.

Plenković stressed that the government will act if necessary to protect both citizens and the national economy.

“We are ready to limit energy prices if needed, with the possibility of reintroducing subsidies,” the prime minister said, noting that the government has already taken similar measures during previous energy crises.

Plenković described the current situation in the Middle East as serious and uncertain, adding that authorities are closely monitoring developments and will respond if price increases begin to impact Croatia.

“We will follow the situation, assess it and intervene if necessary,” he said.

The government has previously used regulatory measures to stabilise fuel prices, particularly during the global energy crisis in recent years. Those interventions included temporary caps on fuel prices and subsidies aimed at easing the burden on households and businesses.

According to the prime minister, the government retains the right to introduce new regulations limiting fuel prices if market conditions make such protection necessary.

Subsidies Could Return

Plenković also addressed the possibility of reinstating subsidies for gas and electricity if energy costs begin to rise sharply again.

Although some support measures have been gradually phased out, he said the government remains ready to reintroduce them if circumstances require.

“The government intervened in fuel prices for several years to protect citizens and the economy. If necessary, we will limit prices again,” Plenković said.

Assistance for Croatians in Conflict Areas

Plenković also confirmed that the government, together with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, is actively working to assist Croatian citizens in returning from countries affected by conflict in the Middle East.

The government’s focus, he said, is both on ensuring the safety of citizens abroad and maintaining economic stability at home if global energy markets become more volatile.