Most buses in the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, ceased operations on Thursday, November 21, as the city’s transportation company was unable to purchase fuel due to debts.
The disruptions to bus services in Skopje began on the evening of November 20, and by Thursday, only a few routes were operational.
The problem stems from the transport operator’s debts, totaling nearly 10 million euros, which prevented timely fuel purchases. The situation arose from a conflict between city authorities and the central government. The city accuses North Macedonia’s public procurement administration of failing to ensure regular fuel supplies, while the government cites violations in the operator’s tendering process.
The suspension of bus services in Skopje, home to over 600,000 people, has hit students and workers the hardest. Hospitals in the city have also reported difficulties in accommodating patients.
The Skopje Student Association, representing more than 28,000 students, has announced plans for a protest on Friday if public transportation services are not restored.
