North Macedonia’s government has raised the excise tax on oil derivatives to raise money to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Government spokesman Muamet Hoxha said that excise taxes were raised to “ease the consequences of rising costs in the battle against the coronavirus and to secure funds for budget expenses.” 

Hoxha told an online news conference that the money will go into a coronavirus fund, support for the economy and social security measures. The higher duties will not financially affect the economy or the public, he said.