Council of Ministers of BiH on a 90-day ban on the export of firewood, pellets, and round timber

(Patria) - The Council of Ministers of BiH will hold an extraordinary session today with only one item on the agenda at the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH. Minister Staša Košarac, after consultations with competent institutions and authorities in the RS and FBiH, proposed that the decision on a temporary ban on the export of certain wood assortments, firewood, and wood products be considered.

As explained, this is a temporary ban that would last for 90 days and for which the possibility of extension is left open, with the aim of protecting the domestic economy and stopping further price hikes.

The export ban would prevent an expected shortage in the domestic market and uncontrolled price increases.

"We do not want our people from Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH to face the upcoming winter with uncertainty and cold radiators, while at the same time our pellets are heating residents of Western countries," said Minister Košarac.

The proposal for the decision on the ban states that upon expiry of the deadline, the Council of Ministers of BiH will extend the protective measures provided for by the decision, at the proposal and based on the report on the effects of the application of this decision submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and all until the objectives of introducing the measures are met.

The Federation of BiH is requesting a ban on the export of pellets and firewood, and the RS, in addition to that, is requesting a ban on the export of round timber.