Skopje, 3 November 2023 (MIA) — Food inflation in October is expected to be below two percent, according to Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi in a TV appearance on Friday.

Speaking to Sitel TV, Minister Bekteshi also said total inflation in the country would considerably drop.

"According to preliminary data for the month of October to be released by the State Statistical Office next week, food inflation will be below 2% and monthly inflation in the country will drop by half," Bekteshi said, crediting the Ministry of Economy's measures for the inflation slowdown.

The economy minister reiterated that the measures were developed in constant communication with stakeholders, including producers, distributors and grocery stores.

Regarding reports that some retailers were asking distributors to hide additional costs, Bekteshi said: "I urge supermarkets not to do that, because they know the Consumer Protection Law."

"Let's not put ourselves in a situation of having to close big supermarket chains. But this time it will not be just for five days. This time it will be for 30 days," the economy minister said. mr/