Skopje, 16 January 2025 (MIA) - The month-long New Year's basket campaign for lower prices of some food products has ended and there is uncertainty if prices will increase as of Thursday.

The Ministry of Economy and Labor expects the effects of the New Year's basket to be confirmed by the December statistical data and adds they will continue to implement measures and policies aimed at protecting the citizens' standard.

The basket was created at the initiative of the business sector and included 1,178 products by 96 producers and distributors, supported by 51 market brands.

Opposition SDSM has said that the prices of some products increased instead of dropping, referring to data coming from the State Statistical Office for December, which show that prices of basic products rose by 4.3 percent, along with a 4.4-percent inflation.

The December consumer basket calculated by the Federation of Trade Unions (SSM) is also slightly higher compared to November. SSM has said that traders used the period leading up to the New Year's basket entry into force to increase prices.

MIA file photo