The government determined the decision to limit margins; Đurović: The only model to protect both citizens and merchants

The government has established a decision that will limit the maximum margin in wholesale stores to five percent, for wheat (type 400 and 500), sugar, oil and salt, while the maximum margin on these foods for small stores will be seven percent.

The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Goran Đurović, said that the Government is doing everything it can to mitigate the rise in food and energy prices.

"We made the decision to limit the margins as the only possible and normal model of state action, without harming the economy, to influence that there is no shortage. We have found some optimum to protect citizens, to mitigate the rise in prices, and that our traders have an interest in they have the goods on the shelves," he said at today's Government session.

He emphasized that Montenegro has enough energy and food.

"We are moving towards completely stabilizing the environment and providing certainty for our citizens".

He said that they encountered the understanding of the economy, and that they were consulted when adopting these measures.

"They recognized the desire and will of the Government to be their partner".

The Minister of Finance, Aleksandar Damjanović, said that when it comes to this area, one should take into account the changes in the market of raw materials, on the stock exchanges, so that there is no shortage, because the state depends on imports, and does not produce in sufficient quantities.

By limiting the margins, these foodstuffs should be cheaper. Their prices have risen dramatically this year, especially after the war in Ukraine began on February 24. Thus, for a liter of oil at the beginning of 2021, it was necessary to allocate one euro, in January 2022, 1,40 euros, and the price of that product in Montenegrin markets is now between 2,3 and 2,4 euros. A kilogram of flour (type 400) cost 2021 cents in January 40, a year later there was a 50 percent price increase, and now flour prices are around 80 cents. The price of a kilogram of salt is between 50 and 60 cents, while sugar is 95 cents.