Skopje, 21 March 2023 (MIA) - The Government froze Tuesday the price of eggs and rice while also restricting the export of eggs. The highest prices of eggs and rice will be those of March 15 and will be valid until April 30.

According to the decision, at least 70 percent of the national egg production should be distributed at the domestic market, while retailers are obligated to continue to procure the regular quantities as in January and February 2023.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told today's press conference that prices of rice and eggs have recently risen significantly, resulting from import-export trends of these products.

"Considering the upcoming Easter and Ramadan holidays, and for the purpose of preventing an imbalance on the domestic market, at least 70 percent of the national egg production will be distributed on the domestic market," said PM Kovachevski.

These decisions, he added, are not made arbitrarily but are based on facts and analyses, whereas developments on the domestic and global markets will be continually monitored.

The PM said the decisions take into account the citizens' needs and their facilitated management with the effects of the global economic and energy crisis.

"We will not allow that profit is made at the citizens' expense. These measures are in place in order to improve citizens' living standard," said Kovachevski.

On March 16, the Government froze the prices of pasta and dairy products, whereas the price of white bread was capped on February 28, while at the same time cancelling the electricity subsidies for companies of the food industry.