Skopje, 26 September 2023 (MIA) – At a session Tuesday, the Government decided to reduce the prices of non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling and still water and beer. Additionally, it decided to reduce the profit margins for fruit and vegetables.

At a press conference Tuesday, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said the decision to reduce the prices of beverages will be published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday and will enter into force on Wednesday.

According to the Prime Minister, this is enough time for the markets to correct the prices.

“When it comes to increasing prices, this can be done overnight, so the same can also be done when reducing prices,” said Kovachevski.

Kovachevski said the producers of non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water decided to voluntarily join the “guaranteed price” measure.

The upper limit of the prices for these products, except for the prices of energy drinks, will be determined on the basis of the September 19 prices, while retail sellers are obliged to change the prices of the products and to mark them with the “guaranteed price” label.

The price cuts on all products will remain into force until November 30.

Last week, the Government adopted a decision reducing the prices of 24 categories of products by at least 10 percent, with their August 1 prices serving as a basis for the reduction.

In terms of fruits and vegetables, the Government adopted a decision capping profit margins at 10 percent in wholesale, and 15 percent in retail.

“Ahead of us are decisions regarding the reduction of import costs on fresh vegetables, rice, oranges, lemons, tangerines, as well as a reduction of customs duties on dairy products with fat content of over 10 percent. These decisions will be adopted in the coming days, published and implemented,” said Kovachevski.

The PM said he expects the measures to stabilize the inflation rate by the end of the year.

“This was already shown by the pay raises in July this year, which exceeded inflation. With the September raise of 10 percent, as well as the linear increase of pensions in line with the methodology, we expect the double-digit inflation rate to drop to 8 percent, and 5 percent in terms of food prices,” said Kovachevski.

The Prime Minister urged retailers and wholesalers to comply with the measures, and citizens to report any violations to the State Market Inspectorate.

Photo: MIA Archive/Printscreen