Skopje, 18 February 2025 (MIA) — The government has decided to impose grocery price caps on basic food as well as limit gross profit margins of wholesalers and retailers on over 1,000 food and non-food products, Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski told a press conference Tuesday.

According to Risteski citing State Market Inspectorate data, retailers' current gross profit margins on sales of essentials were 20 to 25 percent, and wholesalers' gross profit margins were 20 to 50 percent.

With the government's market intervention, the gross profit margin on staples including milk, bread, wheat flour, eggs, cooking oil, buttermilk and yoghurt will be capped at 5 percent.

The gross profit margin on sales of meat and meat products, sugar, dairy products, margarine, butter, canned vegetables and fruits, beans, rice and pasta will be capped at 10 percent.

The gross profit margin on sales of fresh fruits and vegetables, detergents, baby food, diapers, soap and toilet paper will be capped at 15 percent.

Also, Risteski said, price caps will be set on milk, bread, wheat flour, eggs, cooking oil, buttermilk and yoghurt, based on their Feb. 1 prices.

"These two decisions will enter into force the day after the decisions are published in the Official Gazette and will be in force until April 30," the deputy economy minister said.

The State Market Inspectorate will be carrying out regular inspections in stores and inspectors may impose fines up to EUR 20,000, he said. mr/