Opposition requests review of excise bill

TIRANA, May 31 – The opposition Socialist Party has requested the postponement of the approval of the new excise bill and its discussion and further review at the Parliamentary Economy committee. The request was made by Socialist MP Arben Malaj.
Malaj, a former Finance Minister, said changes to an important law such as that on excise taxes should be examined in the presence of the opposition giving it the opportunity to express its stances and suggestions. “Our concern is that the frequent change to the tax level affects the climate of doing business in the country,” said Malaj.
The opposition says it is contacting interest groups and will soon make its suggestions to changes to the excise law.
The Finance Ministry bill envisages imposing excise tax on low quality fuels used for heavy industry, agriculture and greenhouse heating which are expected to increase budget revenues by an estimated 4.3 billion Leek (43 million dollars).
Virgin oil, currently excise-free, will be taxed at 70 Leek per litre. Meanwhile, the excise tax for the kerosene will be 20 Lek per litre.
Increases are also expected for poor quality diesel, heavy oils and residual oil whose excise taxes will each be 37 Lek per litre, the same as petrol and D1, D2 diesel. Their current excise tax rate is 13 Lek per litre.
The increase will also affect cyclic and acyclic hydrocarbons including ethylene and benzene which will also each be at a 37 Lek excise tax rate per litre from 13 Lek currently.
The Finance Ministry bill envisages excise tax increases even for plastic raw materials used by export and construction industries.
Cardboard, glass, car batteries, fireworks and bulbs will be included in the excise tax scheme for the first time.