Skopje, 14 March 2023 (MIA) — The government will decide whether to freeze the prices of sugar, eggs and rice as soon as the Ministry of Economy submits its official estimates, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi told the press Tuesday.

Regarding the government’s pasta- and dairy-price freeze, Deputy PM Bytyqi agreed prices had not been significantly cut yet, but starting March 16, he said pasta would be 15 percent cheaper and dairy products would be 10 percent cheaper.

"Of course, on the 16th, the products will reach the set prices,” Bytyqi said in response to reporters' questions on the price freeze.

Bytyqi pointed out that the price freeze was aimed at helping citizens amid the economic crisis.

“That is why we gave companies almost a week for them to use up some of their reserves and introduce lower prices. Every measure being taken is for the good of the citizens. We do not want to cause anyone any damage. We are acting together in this time of crisis to overcome it,” he said. mr/