Skopje, 21 April 2026 (MIA) - Profit margins on artificial fertilizer and the surging prices of fertilizer on the domestic market are set to be capped, announced Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy Cvetan Tripunovski at a press conference Tuesday. Tripunovski said the sales price of fertilizer reserves purchased at older prices will be reduced by 10 percent.

The decisions were adopted at a government session Tuesday and will be in force until May 31, 2026.

Tripunovski also said a new obligation is being introduced for the market to be continuously supplied with fertilizers - retailers must provide and sell at least 70 percent of the average quantities purchased in 2026 on a monthly basis, while wholesalers must supply retailers with at least 70 percent of their average sales.

The Minister said the State Market Inspectorate noted a rise in prices and margin variations ranging from 16 to 60 percent depending on the company, and in some cases, with special, organic fertilizers, margins rose up to 70 percent, which Tripunovski said is unacceptable.

“To prevent price increases and to help farmers and the domestic agricultural production, the Government decided today to cap margins on the price of artificial fertilizer. The first decision affects all legal and natural entities registered for the production and wholesale or retail trade who procure and sell inorganic, organic, and organo-mineral fertilizers, biostimulants, and soil enhancers. The maximum gross profit margin for inorganic fertilizer is set at up to 5 percent in wholesale and retail trade, while for organic and organo-mineral fertilizers, as well as biostimulants, up to 10 percent. The second decision limits the rise in fertilizer prices on the domestic market, correcting the sales price with a 10 percent reduction for reserves purchased at older prices,” Tripunovski said.

The Minister said the goal of the measures is to stabilize the market, reduce costs and protect domestic production. Additional measures in the interest of the citizens and the economy will be introduced if necessary, Tripunovski said.