Bosnia and Herzegovina Launches Nationwide Fuel Control System to End Years of Fraud

Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing to introduce a mandatory “fuel marking” system at all gas stations across the country, a move authorities describe as one of the most significant reforms in the energy sector in recent years. The initiative is designed to curb long-standing issues of fuel fraud, tax evasion, and illegal trading that have cost the state millions in lost revenue.

Under the new regulation, every batch of fuel distributed in Bosnia and Herzegovina will contain a unique chemical marker — an invisible additive that allows inspectors to instantly verify the origin, quality, and legality of the fuel. This system will make it nearly impossible for distributors to mix legal and illegal supplies or manipulate sales data to avoid taxes.

According to officials, the introduction of this system represents a turning point in how the fuel market is monitored and regulated. The process will be supervised by a national agency, with inspectors conducting regular on-site checks at refineries, storage facilities, and gas stations.

“Fuel marking means greater transparency, consumer protection, and equal business conditions for all,” said government representatives. “For too long, dishonest practices have undermined fair competition and damaged public trust. This reform finally changes that.”

The authorities also emphasized that this step is not merely punitive but preventive. By creating a traceable fuel supply chain, the government hopes to discourage illegal imports and resale, which have been widespread for years. The system will also help ensure that fuel meets environmental and safety standards, further aligning Bosnia and Herzegovina with European Union practices.

Implementation is scheduled for the first half of next year, with pilot testing expected to begin in several major cities. Gas station owners and distributors have been notified to prepare for the transition, and training programs for inspectors are already underway.

Economists estimate that full enforcement of the system could recover tens of millions of convertible marks annually in tax revenues that previously leaked through the black market.

The introduction of mandatory fuel marking is being hailed as a long-awaited end to fuel manipulation schemes that have plagued the market for decades — a move that could reshape the country’s energy sector and restore confidence among consumers and honest businesses alike.

Author: M.J