CNA investigation on medical oxygen/DP: In Albania it is bought 2-3 times more expensive than the region, SPAK to investigate

2024-10-19 10:55:00, Aktualitet CNA

CNA investigation on medical oxygen/DP: In Albania it is bought 2-3 times more

CNA has carried out an investigation on medical oxygen where it turns out that Albania buys it 3-4 times more expensive than other countries in the region such as Kosovo or North Macedonia. After the CNA's investigation, there was also a reaction from the Democratic Party on this issue.

The Spokesperson for Anti-Corruption in DP Genta Vangjeli denounced the corrupt procedure, where medical oxygen in Albania is bought not only at higher prices than in the region, but only two companies participate in the tenders.

Why do Albanians have to pay 3-4 times more for oxygen?
October 15, 14:09

"Medical oxygen, which is procured by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection or the Directorates of regional hospitals, goes into the hands of only two suppliers, turning into a monopoly.

If we look at the participation of the offers in the respective procurements developed by the Competition Authority, it can be observed that only one of these companies or both together in the form of a JV participate in the procedure and are then declared the winner, so the market concurrence is maximally limited, contrary to principles of public procurement legislation.

It is about GTS-Gazra Teknike Albanian sh.pk and Messer Albagaz shpk. According to Open Corporates Albania, GTS-Gazra Teknike Shqiptare sh.pk has won a total of 106 procedures for the purchase of oxygen with a VALUE of 4,847,040,382 lek or 48.4 million EURO and,

Messer Albagaz shpk has won a total of 149 procedures for the purchase of oxygen worth 2,632,903,871 lek or 26.3 million euros.

The media have identified that in Albania oxygen is bought at a value 3-4 times higher than the region. For example, in Kosovo, the price per liter of medical oxygen is 0.43 euros, in Macedonia 0.45 euros, while in Albania it is 1.5 euros. Messer Albagaz shpk has won a total of 149 procedures for the purchase of oxygen worth 2,632,903,871 lek or 26.3 million euros.

The media have identified that in Albania oxygen is bought at a value 3-4 times higher than the region. For example, in Kosovo, the price per liter of medical oxygen is 0.43 euros, in Macedonia 0.45 euros, while in Albania it is 1.5 euros.

Meanwhile, according to the data published in the report of Transparency International for Kosovo, based on the data obtained from the open procurement website in Kosovo, the offers presented for the purchase of oxygen are identified, for example:

As high as possible, a clear indication of the difference in the price per unit of oxygen purchase," Vangjeli said.