Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević announced that the government will unveil specific measures within the next ten days aimed at ensuring fairer prices for essential food items. Vučević revealed this after a preliminary meeting with major retail chain representatives and officials from the Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Economy.
The Prime Minister emphasized that while the government cannot undermine the operational capabilities of traders—who employ over 50,000 people through nine major companies—the goal is to balance fair pricing for consumers with the right to profit for businesses.
Vučević assured that the state would work towards agreements with retail chains to ensure fair pricing on essential food items without disrupting market dynamics or stifling competition. He also highlighted the need to analyze the factors affecting final food prices, noting that while profits are acceptable, excessive profits should not come at the expense of consumers.
He stressed that while the government sets basic regulations, it cannot dictate specific product prices as the market largely determines them. However, it can occasionally intervene by releasing goods from reserves to stabilize prices.
The Prime Minister, along with the ministers of internal and external trade and economy, Tomislav Momirović and Adriana Mesarović, discussed the potential for stabilizing food prices in relation to regional trends. He also recalled last year’s “Better Price” initiative, which provided discounted food products and aimed to enhance living standards.
Vučević underscored the importance of retail chains in improving living standards and GDP growth, asserting that the Serbian government remains in continuous dialogue with them. The meeting also covered legal regulations, margins, customs duties, and working conditions within the trade sector.
