Rising oil prices make intercity tickets more expensive

2026-04-06 15:40:00, Aktualitet CNA

The increase in the price of oil in the country has also had a knock-on effect on intercity public transport. With oil reaching 225 lek per liter, line managers have reflected this cost by increasing the price of tickets for citizens.

If a few days ago a trip from Korça to Tirana cost around 1400 lek, today citizens pay 1600 lek. An increase that, according to travelers, significantly burdens their daily budget, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as pensioners.

"I am a pensioner and I receive an average pension. We pay 16 thousand old lek for the round trip. What do you think, is it good? It is very difficult, especially for us pensioners ," says one of the pensioners.

"It seems expensive to me. How are we going to afford it? I live in the village, all the goods come from abroad. It's very difficult, it's unaffordable ," says another.

Citizens say that coping with costs is becoming increasingly difficult, while price increases do not stop at transportation, but also affect everyday products.

"It's especially difficult for us pensioners. Traveling today with 16 thousand? You have to take even more money with you, because you don't know what will happen tomorrow. We are living with sacrifices ," the citizen says.

Meanwhile, other citizens emphasize that the responsibility does not fall solely on drivers, but they demand intervention from institutions to stabilize prices.

"It's not the driver's fault, he buys expensive oil. It's in the hands of the state, it should lower the oil price. We can't afford these prices," says the citizen

According to them, the economic situation has become unbearable, especially for low-income families, while they also compare prices with neighboring countries, where fuel is cheaper.

"Pensions are minimal. With the increase in fuel prices, food products have also increased. We can't afford it, the state must intervene."

The increase in fuel prices continues to have a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens, increasing pressure on households and making it even more difficult to meet basic living costs. At a time when prices continue to rise, citizens are seeking concrete measures to ease the economic burden, while transportation remains one of the most sensitive expenses for them. /CNA