Federal Minister of Commerce Amir Hasicevic he held a meeting with representatives Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the trade sector, where key measures to mitigate inflationary pressures and protect citizens’ living standards were considered.
As reported from Federal Ministry of Commercethe focus of the conversation was on defining specific models of intervention in the market of basic foodstuffs, due to the disruptions caused by the energy crisis and the increase in input costs.
Minister Hasičević presented a package of measures based on three strategic pillars: limiting margins in wholesale for key products, introducing maximum prices and/or margins in retail, and determining the upper price of basic bakery products per kilogram, which would prevent manipulation through changes in weight and product name.
The Ministry points out that basic foodstuffs have a significant share in the consumer basket, which is why they directly affect overall inflation and the standard of living of citizens, especially socially sensitive categories.
– The aim of the measures is to precisely direct interventions where inflation affects citizens the most, while preserving the functionality of the market – said Hasičević.
They also remind of already active measures, among which are limited margins on oil derivatives, as well as the model of “locked prices” for 63 basic products, which is currently in force. Additionally, an initiative was launched according to Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of strengthening competition and supply stability.
Special emphasis is placed on cooperation with Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs for the purpose of increased supervision over the application of limited prices and margins, prevention of abuses and strengthening of consumer confidence.
Additional improvement of coordination and data exchange was also announced, in order to make control on the ground more efficient, while the proposal of new measures should be finalized and worked out through a special rulebook, with a planned duration of 60 days and the possibility of extension, depending on market trends.
The Ministry says that it will continue to work actively with the aim of stabilizing the market, suppressing inflation and protecting citizens’ standards in the face of complex economic challenges.
