Šaljić for NAP: FBiH Government's decision on pellet prices is commendable but incomplete, the restriction should be extended until February 1st

(Patria) - The FBiH Government adopted, at today's telephone session, upon the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Trade, a Decision that prescribes a measure of direct price control by determining the highest level of wholesale and retail selling price of wood pellets in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Decision stipulates that the highest selling price of pellets cannot exceed 480 KM plus VAT in wholesale trade per ton in all packaging, and the highest selling price of pellets in retail trade per ton in all packaging cannot exceed 540 KM plus VAT.

It is also stipulated that wood pellets are a natural energy source, i.e., renewable biofuel, produced from biomass (crushed wood, sawdust, shavings), cylindrical in shape with a diameter of 6 mm or 8 mm (+/-1) and a length of 3.15 mm to 40 mm, with a moisture content below 10 percent.

In the reasons for adopting the decision, the proposer explained that after the adoption of the previous Decision of the FBiH Government on prescribing a measure of direct price control by determining the highest price level for pellets at the end of October this year, the Federal Ministry of Trade held meetings with representatives of pellet traders.

It is added that through a detailed analysis of the effects of the prescribed measure, it was determined that the introduction of a direct price control measure for wholesale and retail pellet prices would affect the prevention of excessive profit margins between selling levels, and ensure a more transparent and fair price for the end consumer.

Namely, by determining wholesale and retail pellet prices, wholesalers would have a clearly defined selling price, which allows for procurement planning and further distribution. Retailers would also have a defined selling price, thereby directly protecting consumers. This also facilitates the work of competent inspection authorities in the field.

The decision adopted today applies until December 31st of this year, and on the day of its adoption, the previously adopted Decision on prescribing a measure of direct price control by determining the highest price level for pellets ceases to be valid.

That strict control of the prices of this energy source is necessary with the arrival of cold days and increased pellet consumption in households, was warned in a recent statement to the Patria News Agency (NAP) by Jasmin Šaljić, a representative of the Party of BiH in the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton.

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Šaljić for Patriju: Trgovci drže pelet u skladištu i čekaju decembar, Vlada FBiH mora produžiti ograničenje cijena

(Patria) - Sa dolaskom hladnih dana i povećanom potrošnjom peleta u domaćinstvima, sve je jasnije da je neophodno osigurati strogu kontrolu cijena ovog energenta. Građani koji su, uz poticaje vlasti, prešli na pelet kao ekološki prihvatljivije

In today's reaction, also for NAP, Šaljić assessed the FBiH Government's latest decision to extend the price restriction until the end of the year as good, but still incomplete.

- The Federation Government should have been bold and extended the restriction until February 1, 2026. This is the only way to curb the unjustified price increases by several companies that have a monopoly on this energy source and set prices without any regard or conscience for the citizens.

They are shamelessly setting pellet prices based on the markets of Italy, Germany, and Austria – countries that have salaries at least three times higher than in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Šaljić told NAP.

It is especially important, he adds, to insist on control, meaning – quality, prices, and trade must be monitored much better.

- The government's pellet price restrictions are hardly being respected in practice, as citizens have realized that a ton of pellets cannot be bought on the market for less than 800 KM. I call on the competent inspectorates in Sarajevo Canton to visit sales points and do their job responsibly to stop this greed and robbery in the chain from producers through distributors and sellers – Šaljić points out.

Finally, he called on the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to extend the pellet price restriction until February 1, 2026.