Federal Inspection Intensifies Controls Over Price Formation, Meeting on Monday with Nikšić, Retailers and Producers

(Patria) - Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić, together with Minister of Trade Amir Hasičević and Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Kemal Hrnjić, will hold a meeting on Monday with representatives of retailers and food producers to discuss the situation regarding prices.

The meeting will also discuss the 'We lock prices' campaign.

"It is important to find a balance between the interests of the business sector and the protection of citizens. If we do not reach an agreement, we plan to take price restriction measures provided for by the Price Control Law," said Nikšić.

The 'We lock prices' project was in effect until the end of 2024, but it was not extended. After the introduction of a non-working Sunday on November 17, a price increase was observed. The decision of the FBiH Government to increase the minimum wage from 619 to 1,000 KM caused market disruptions, and part of the burden of the minimum wage increase and costs in stores will obviously be borne by customers as well.

Precisely because of the price increases, Friday, January 31, was a boycott day in large shopping centers, and in several shopping centers in Sarajevo there was no usual crowd. A new boycott has been announced for the following week, lasting two days: Wednesday and Friday.

On January 28, the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs announced that inspectors will conduct controls of all participants in the supply chain who sell products and engage in wholesale and retail trade.

"The activities of federal market inspectors will be focused on lawful and socially responsible price formation, i.e., the obligation to sell products and provide services in a manner that is not contrary to good business practices, selling products on sale, granting discounts on products and services, types and methods of payment, displaying the selling price of products and services and adhering to it, product labeling, and other obligations of traders prescribed by positive legal regulations.

The Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs recognizes the seriousness of the situation regarding the unlimited price increase and illegal practices that negatively affect the living standard of our citizens. In order to protect consumers and ensure fair market conditions, we have decided to intensify market inspection supervision. Our inspectors will conduct rigorous checks to ensure that prices of products and services are formed in accordance with regulations. We will pay special attention to basic foodstuffs, in order to maximally protect the most vulnerable categories of the population," states the FUZIP.

FUZIP called on consumers to report any observed irregularities to the competent cantonal inspection authorities for timely inspection controls, and especially to request a fiscal receipt with every purchase.