Blockage of Librazhd-Prrenjas road increases costs for wholesalers in Korça

2026-02-24 11:16:00, Sociale CNA

Blockage of Librazhd-Prrenjas road increases costs for wholesalers in

The blockage of one of the main road axes, Librazhd-Prrenjas, is having direct consequences for wholesale traders in Korça. They say that the diversion of traffic to alternative routes has significantly increased transportation costs, affecting the final price of products.

According to traders, the road in the Gramsh area is impassable for heavy vehicles, forcing them to follow longer routes through Përmet, with exits in Tepelena and then in Saranda. This has significantly extended the supply time, from about 3 hours to over 5 hours by van, and even more for trucks.

"The road blockage has a big impact on us as merchandise traders. Prices are increasing due to the cost of transportation. The car suffers a lot of damage from the very bad road to Gramsh. Right now, we follow the Permet road because the road to Gramsh is very problematic and you can't bring heavy goods. The road is very long, you will end up in Tepelena and then in Saranda, etc. From Saranda is the longest road. If we used to go on a normal road for 3 hours, now from Saranda by van it takes more than 5 hours, and by truck it takes even longer," says a trader.

Blockage of Librazhd-Prrenjas road increases costs for wholesalers in

In addition to time, businesses face increased fuel costs and vehicle damage due to the depreciated condition of the roads, especially in the Lozhani segment, where the presence of potholes makes traffic difficult.

"The cost is increased by the oil and the car, because it can be damaged. The Lozhani road is very bad because it is full of potholes. The price will also increase from where we buy it, but even here where we sell it, we will increase the price. If we sold the goods for 100 old lek profit, now we will sell it for 200 old lek because the costs increase and it is not worth it," say the traders.

Traders warn that rising costs are forcing them to increase product prices to cover expenses, and if the situation continues, some of them may suspend their activities until the Librazhd road is opened. According to them, the extension of this situation endangers not only most businesses, but also consumers, who will face higher prices.

"If the situation continues like this, we will close the activity, we will take a break until the Librazhd road opens. It's not worth it because we also pay the workers. The more costs we have here, the more expensive the goods must be sold, but who will buy them?", the traders express.

Blockage of Librazhd-Prrenjas road increases costs for wholesalers in

Pending a solution, traders are calling for swift intervention to restore normal traffic on this important axis. They warn that any further delay will deepen economic difficulties, weighing on the supply chain and prices for consumers in Korça and surrounding areas./CNA