"North Macedonia declared a seven-day state of crisis over electricity supply on Thursday, citing disrupted deliveries of fuel oil from Greece caused by border blockades staged by protesting farmers. The disruption has intensified existing strain on the national power grid, increased the risk of technical failures and forced authorities to rely on emergency electricity imports. In the capital Skopje, residents on Saturday voiced growing concern over the combined impact of energy shortages and rising living costs. “It’s terrible, honestly. On top of everything else, there is also the price increase, while salaries are low,” said Nazmie Ramadan. Concerns have also been raised over heating homes during the winter months. Zoran Andovski said longer-term solutions were needed. “I think the government's idea would be good if central heating were expanded,” he said. Rising electricity prices have fuelled fears of a decline in living standards. Ekrem Mamuti also blamed part of the problem on the privatisation of the electricity distributor EVN. “Of course it will affect the standard of living,” he said. "But what can we do when we sold EVN to foreigners, and the owner will run it the way it suits him, because he came to make a profit." Following the crisis declaration, Bulgaria offered emergency fuel oil supplies to North Macedonia. Officials said the current disruption stems directly from blockades at Greek border crossings, which have halted the delivery of key energy resources."