The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina entered the new year with new and old problems – price increases.
And while the prices of certain foodstuffs and services have already risen, for others it is yet to be expected.
Thus, since January 1, citizens of the entity Republika Srpska (RS) have been paying more for electricity, and the increase in electricity prices has triggered an avalanche of other price increases, both justified and unjustified, they write. Independent newspaper.
Announcements of millers
Apart from the fact that electricity bills will be increased by several marks, higher prices will soon be in markets and bakeries as well.
According to millers’ announcements, the prices of flour could be higher by 10 percent this year, and they justify the increase in the minimum price and the price of electricity, as well as the jump in the price of wheat on the stock exchanges.
Bakers also find similar justifications for price increases, so in the coming weeks, citizens in the RS can expect higher bread prices.
The citizens of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina can also expect an increase in the price of bread, so the company “Klas” from Sarajevo, due to a chain increase in the price of all key raw materials, announces new prices for its products, including bread.
The reasons for the price increase are directly related to the continuous increase in the prices of raw materials, energy, fuel and other operating costs.
– Our company makes every effort to maintain product quality at the highest level, but the current economic situation requires necessary adjustments to ensure business sustainability – said Madžid Avdagić, director of Klas za Fena.
Also, the previously announced increase in the price of coffee can soon be expected.
For example, on certain service machines for hot drinks in Banja Luka, it is indicated that the price has increased since January 1st.
– We want to inform you that due to global market trends and the increase in the prices of raw materials, there will be a correction of the prices of hot drinks – the notice reads.
All those who go to the gym in Banja Luka pay a more expensive membership fee since the New Year. The membership fee has been increased by 10 KM and applies to all categories of members.
– The reason for this decision lies in the increase in the costs of maintaining facilities, purchasing equipment and providing quality services that members use every day – the fitness centers justify their price increases.
Due to higher tax levies and higher electricity prices for entrepreneurs and craftsmen, higher prices for the services of craftsmen have been announced.
Žana Arsić, the president of the Chamber of Crafts and Entrepreneurs of the Banja Luka region, pointed out earlier for Fena that the prices of hairdressing services will most likely be increased by about 10 percent.
– Car mechanics, vulcanizers, owners of car washes and other service providers will certainly correct the prices. This is the only way for entrepreneurs to survive – said Arsić.
New price increases are still possible because the decision to increase the minimum wage in the FBiH has just come into force, and no salary according to the new calculation has been paid yet.
On the other hand, in the RS, the minimum wage has not yet been determined.
Admir Arnautović, president of the Association of Consumers’ Club of Central Bosnia Travnik, points out that at the end of last year there was an announcement of numerous price increases – from flour and bakery products to chocolate and coffee, as well as catering services.
– The announced increase in electricity prices for the economy can be expected, and thus the increase in other prices. What is particularly problematic for a large number of citizens are the high prices of vegetables and fruits in the markets, as well as the prices of meat and meat products, which should not have any influence from abroad or imports, but the trend is simply such that when the prices of everything go up, they go up and the prices of products and services for which there is no justification – says Arnautović.
Growth of the minimum wage
He adds that the increase in the minimum wage in the FBiH and the announced increase in the RS, as he says, has already had a completely unjustified effect on the increase in the prices of certain products and services.
– Certain traders, restaurateurs and hairdressers have already started with new prices justifying higher labor costs. There is definitely room for inspections here, especially as it deals with some branches of the economy where the gray economy prevailed, at least, and where workers were paid “in envelopes”, which neither the state nor the workers benefited from – points out Arnautović, adding that they will be able to discuss the real effects of the increase in the minimum wage only in a few months.
According to him, individuals have already started hunting in the dark to the detriment of consumers.
– What further worries us is that the prices of utility services in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina started to rise already on January 1 – points out Arnautović.
By the way, these days in Travnik, a decision was adopted to raise the price of thermal energy services by 14.39 percent, while utility services are going up by 10 percent.
Arnautović states that winter has always been a period of higher prices, and that we can expect a slight drop in prices from spring.
– At least there have been such trends up to now – he says and adds that he hopes that both traders and producers will get a little more serious and realize that they all depend on consumers and that they will go with more reasonable margins.
Source: Factor
