Skopje, 20 March 2024 (MIA) - A family of four in North Macedonia needed Mden 58,998 to cover the minimal consumer basket in March, which is an increase of Mden 1,522 compared to February, said the Federation of Trade Union (SSM) on Wednesday. 

According to SSM, the largest rise is seen in the section of food and beverages, where Mden 22,681 were required in March. Compared to February, when 21,219 were required, this is an increase of Mden 1,462.  

Data available to SSM shows that from December 2023 to March 2024, the costs for food and beverages alone have increased by Mden 1,951, i.e. by 9.41 percent.

"Consumer basket expenses have been on the rise since the beginning of the year, more specifically, in March 2024, where the largest rise is seen in the section of food and beverages, which shows that traders did not listen to SSM's appeal. With no grounds and only in the interest of their profits, they have increased the prices of food products excessively, resulting in unfair practices and leading to impoverishment of workers and citizens, after the price cap measure was suspended," SSM said in Wednesday's press release. 

The rise in prices, adds the press release, contributes to the loss of purchasing power of workers and citizens. Therefore, the new increase in the minimum wage as of March 2024, which should amount to about Mden 22,567, will not have a positive effect on the standard of the citizens.

"SSM proposed continuing the price cap measure towards protecting the living standard of workers and citizens, especially because we knew that greed and profit would be the reason for groundless increase in prices to the detriment of workers and citizens, and that must not be allowed. We call on workers and citizens to voice their dissatisfaction together with SSM in protest and to join us, because the time to raise our voices is now," reads the press release.

Photo: Print screen and MIA archive