Statement of Minister Vladimir Joković

Regarding the increasing reports from citizens about the inability to secure sufficient quantities of pellets for the upcoming heating season, I want to clearly communicate that protecting citizens' interests will be my priority. As the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, I will insist that decisions are respected and that citizens can buy pellets at the established price. At the same time, I will continue to monitor the market situation and pellet availability, taking into account the interests of domestic producers and their need to operate smoothly. However, if it turns out that there are not enough pellets for the domestic market or that the established retail price is not being respected, I will not allow citizens to be put in a situation where they cannot secure energy for the upcoming heating season. In that case, I will instruct the relevant services of the Ministry to prepare measures without delay and will request the competent institutions to ban or suspend the export of pellets from Montenegro. Our obligation is to ensure that citizens have enough pellets and that the established price is respected, and as a minister, I will take all measures within my authority to achieve this goal.