Fuel Prices Surge, Road Safety Crackdown Intensifies Amidst Fire Alarm
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North Macedonia is facing a significant economic hit as fuel prices are set to increase overnight, with diesel reaching 98 denars and gasoline over 91 denars, posing a financial burden for drivers and potentially impacting the broader economy. This comes as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety, detaining 11 individuals for reckless driving, 8 without licenses, and sanctioning 63 for drunk driving, with 8 arrests.
In other key developments, the Public Prosecutor's Office has expanded its investigation into a major marijuana smuggling case, indicting seven more individuals. Meanwhile, an 'Orange Fire Alarm' has been issued for nearly the entire country due to high fire risk, prompting urgent appeals for citizens to avoid lighting open fires. The energy company ESM has also secured a three-year coal supply deal with Kosovo to ensure continuous energy production.
Persistent issues continue to draw public attention, including the decade-long delay in constructing a new hospital in Shtip, despite numerous changes in government. Skopje also grapples with the aftermath of a severe storm a month ago, with fallen trees still littering city streets. On a positive note, a 21-year-old Macedonian, Jovan Kostadinov, will receive an international award for courage in Sweden for saving 21 people from a fire.