Bus operators warn fuel costs could hit services

Albanian bus operators are pushing for a three-month extension of a fuel subsidy, warning that high diesel costs could force new cuts to public transport.

The National Association of Urban Transport wants the 50 lek per litre support scheme to run from July to September.

The current scheme, approved in May, covers March, April and May and is worth 250 million lek, about €2.6m.

Operators say fuel remains one of their biggest costs, alongside taxes, maintenance and wages.

They warn that without more support, they may struggle to keep buses running at normal levels.