FYR Macedonia on track for lead phase-out in June/July 2009

Following a sub regional meeting on leaded petrol elimination held in Ohrid, FYR Macedonia 12-13 February attended by representatives from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro the national agency on fuel stock reserves announced a successful tender for the remaining 800 tons of leaded fuel stocks. The leaded fuel will be sold at designated, clearly marked pumps and stations countrywide until stocks are exhausted. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, along with the national working group on cleaner fuels and vehicles, will ensure public information on potential catalyst damage. Leaded fuel is no longer produced nor imported into FYR Macedonia and the local refinery Okta produces lead-free, low sulphur (50 ppm) fuels. However, the existence of leaded fuel stocks has prevented a completed phase-out until now. REC Macedonia together with John Courtis and with support from the PCFV Clearing-House, have led national coordination and technical assistance on this initiative.

REC Montenegro is leading a similar project designed to support the country in meeting its phase-out target of July 2009. Serbia and BiH maintain targets of 2010/2011.