Skopje, 1 July 2023 (MIA) – The Government’s decision to restrict the trade margins of white bread, sugar, sunflower oil, wheat flour, pasta, rice, and dairy products is no longer in effect as of Saturday. The prices of these products will now be determined based on the market conditions.

The Ministry of Economy said they are monitoring the situation and the domestic prices are stable for now.

“Given that domestic prices on the market are stable as a result of the stabilization of the exchange prices of imported raw materials and electricity, when the deadline for the trade margin restrictions ends on 30 June 2023, domestic prices should continue to be determined according to market conditions,” the Economy Ministry told MIA on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry, long-term application of trade margins when there is no uncertainty of permanent growth of exchange prices could have an opposite effect on market conditions because the state would be imposing control on prices and reducing competitiveness.

At the end of April, the Government decided to extend the trade margin restrictions on basic food products until June 30. According to the Decision, the highest trade margin for white bread (sliced or whole), while sugar and sunflower oil (non-refined) was set at 5 percent in retail and 5 percent wholesale. The highest trade margin for white bread (sliced or whole), while sugar and sunflower oil (non-refined) was set at 5 percent in retail and 5 percent wholesale. The highest trade margin for wheat flour, pasta, Macedonian white rice, eggs, and dairy products was set at 10 percent in retail and wholesale.