Serbia's Ministry of Finance discusses energy-crisis fuel price measures and targeted support with the IMF

Serbia's Ministry of Finance reported that Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, attending the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, met IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li and Alfred Cameron, Director of the IMF Europe sector, to discuss policy responses to the energy crisis. Mali said Serbia has absorbed the rise in crude oil prices by reducing excise taxes rather than passing the full increase on to consumers. He argued that taking on the cost of excise-tax reductions helped maintain living standards and supported inflation-prevention efforts. Mali also relayed the IMF’s proposal that, if the crisis persists, countries should move toward more targeted measures aimed at the most vulnerable and poorest households, and said Serbia would continue discussions with the IMF in the coming weeks. The meetings also covered Serbia’s continued investment in artificial intelligence, which Mali described as an opportunity for accelerated development. Mali is also scheduled to speak at a reception at Serbia’s residence in Washington to promote the International Specialized Exhibition Expo 2027, which Serbia will host.