Skopje, 8 May 2025 (MIA) – Teams of the State Market Inspectorate are on the ground checking whether traders, distributors or producers are unfairly hiking food prices. If price hikes are confirmed, stricter measures will be taken, Minister of Economy and Labour, Besar Durmishi, said during Thursday’s press conference.

Among the measures being considered in case of an excessive increase in food prices is the limitation of profit margins, but, as he said, the margin percentage could also be increased.

He said that the inspectors will prepare a report at the end of the month, which will be submitted to the Government and the Ministry of Economy and Labour. If the report shows that traders are hiking prices without a good reason, stricter measures will be introduced soon.

“There is a 30-day deadline starting from the day inspectors conducted their checks and issued warnings. Overall, the measure and the law are being respected. Traders have already listed their products on the website,” Durmishi said.

At the press conference, Durmishi said that every denar counts and market changes directly impacts citizens' everyday lives, in products like bread, oil, sugar, and hygiene products.

“That’s why we have been committed from day one to protecting living standards and stabilizing prices. Measures like capping margins on food and hygiene products have already shown results,” he said.

Durmishi stated that official data show inflation for April is practically zero compared to March, with an increase of only 0.06 percent.

“Compared to April 2024, inflation stands at 2.6%, which means it does not exceed 3%, indicating stable phase. Food prices are almost unchanged, with only a 0.3% annual increase. I must emphasize that if we compare April to December 2024, we have a deflation of 1.3%. This means inflation is decreasing,” Durmishi said.

He stressed that the data confirm a stable economy and no drastic increase in food prices. He further announced that the State Market Inspectorate will intensify its inspections throughout May.

Photo: MIA