Šaljić for Patria: Traders are holding pellets in storage and waiting for December, the FBiH Government must extend the price cap

(Patria) - With the arrival of cold days and increased consumption of pellets in households, it is increasingly clear that strict control of the price of this energy source is necessary. Citizens who, with government incentives, switched to pellets as a more environmentally friendly and economical heating option are now facing a completely different reality. Instead of the announced stable market, prices are rising, and pellets are not available for sale. This is precisely why the demand is growing for the authorities to become much more decisively involved and protect consumers, especially during the winter months when heating is an unavoidable expense.

Jasmin Šaljić, a representative of the Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton, points out that the situation on the ground is completely opposite to what was promised to citizens.

“The Federation Government locked in pellet prices, but traders and producers locked up the pellets! A stable market was promised, and producers, distributors, and traders committed to respecting the agreed prices, but the reality is completely different.”

While the authorities publicly claim that the price was agreed at 480 KM excluding VAT, Šaljić warns that the actual amount is being avoided.

“The actual agreed price is 561 KM including VAT, but in stores in Sarajevo Canton, there is almost no pellets. When there are some, the prices are much higher – a 15 kg bag costs 13 KM, which means the price per ton goes up to 871 KM.”

Šaljić emphasizes that there are pellets in storage, but sales are being artificially withheld.

“Sellers are waiting for December 1, when the decision on price caps expires. After that, they plan to raise prices to 900 and even over 1,000 KM per ton. That is why an urgent reaction from the Federation Government is necessary.”

According to him, the only solution is to extend the government's decision until February 1.

“If they do that, sellers will be forced to release pellets to the market at decent prices. Otherwise, citizens face a new blow with a price of at least 1,000 KM.”

In addition to the current crisis, Šaljić also recalls the failed project to build a pellet plant in Sarajevo Canton, which would be of enormous importance for stabilizing the market today. He says there was never a real interest in implementing the project because it would disrupt the monopoly of large companies.

“As a representative in the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton, I will initiate a proposal to restart the construction of the pellet plant and seek to secure funds through the budget, using existing projects, permits, and documentation.”

Šaljić concludes that price control is an energy and social issue of the highest priority, especially during the winter months, and that citizens must not be left to the monopoly and greed of the market.