The prices of products monitored by "Vijesti" in Podgorica's large and small markets have not changed significantly in the last month, but almost all fruits and vegetables have gone up in price. Thus, a kilogram of tomatoes is now 60 cents more expensive in both stores than in July, so you have to pay almost two euros for it, while the price of cucumbers is higher by 70 cents in the large ones, and half a euro in the small ones.
On the other hand, compared to September of last year, since "Vijesti" has been visiting these facilities, chicken is cheaper by about two euros.
This was shown, among other things, by the monthly price barometer "Vijesti", which monitored the monthly price movements of 15 products in Podgorica's small and large markets and markets. The reporter went to these facilities once a month since September of last year, namely on the 14th of the month, in order to list the prices, track their movements and possible price increases or decreases, namely 15 different foods, of the same manufacturer, of identical type and weight, in order to gave a true picture of monthly changes.
Prices in June of this year, according to the data of the Monstat Administration of Statistics, were 4,1 percent higher than in the same month last year. June prices were officially on average 0,1 percent higher than in May, and the biggest impact on monthly inflation was the increase in the prices of accommodation services, fruit, meat, milk, eggs, cheese, air transportation, coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, oils...
July is more favorable than peak season and pre-season
Compared to the price levels of March and August, July was definitely the most favorable month in the big trade, even though it is in the very center of the summer tourist season. Thus, 15 foods, the prices of which "Vijesti" follows, cost a total of 47 euros in a large retail chain in July, that is, almost two euros less than in March, when 48,89 euros had to be allocated. The same group of products is now 1,1 euros more expensive, so you have to pay 48,11 euros.
The prices of tomatoes and cucumbers have increased significantly in the past month, and this is influenced by the fact that August is the peak of the summer season, but also by the fact that these foods are out of season. In addition, cucumbers are also 70 cents more expensive today than they were in March, while tomatoes are about half a euro cheaper compared to the same month. Compared to March, a kilogram of bananas is also 20 cents more expensive. In addition, ten cents more in August, compared to the third month, should be allocated for dish detergent, chocolate and toilet paper.
On the other hand, in August compared to July, pressed ham is also cheaper by half a euro, which now costs 3,5 euros. All fruits and vegetables have risen in price over the past month, so now bananas and apples cost ten cents more each, ie 1,59 and 1,39 euros.
Of the observed months, July was the most favorable even in small trade. In the seventh month, a total of 34,78 euros had to be paid for the tracked items, which is about 1,1 euros less than their prices in March and August. On the shelves of the small market in the last month, only yogurt has become cheaper by ten cents.
In March, tomatoes in a small store were about 70 cents more expensive than in August, while today the remaining fruits and vegetables are more expensive than then. In the third month, bananas cost 1,2 euros, which is 30 cents less than now, when you have to pay one and a half euros for them. The August price of cucumbers is about 40 cents higher, while the value of apples has increased by ten cents, so you have to pay 1,29 euros for them.
The price of bananas has not changed in the last 30 days.
Buying four groceries at the same market stalls today is about one euro cheaper than in March. Compared to that month, today a kilo of tomatoes is about 40 cents cheaper, so it costs one euro. You also have to pay 30 cents less for cucumbers than then, while bananas are 20 cents cheaper, so you also have to pay a euro per kilo. August prices on the market are identical to July prices.
A new action is waiting
On July 22, the government reinstated the earlier measure limiting trade margins to five basic foodstuffs, whereby the margins on wheat flour type 400 and 500, granulated sugar, sunflower oil and table salt are now limited to five percent in the wholesale trade, and in the trade to a little up to seven percent. The margin represents the difference between the purchase and sale price of the goods.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced in Pljevlja at the end of July that the Government is planning a new action to limit margins that would be applied from September, in order to preserve the standard of citizens. Minister of Economic Development Nick Djelosaj ten days after that, he stated that the work on the new limit of margins is nearing the end and that more items will be covered through this action than through the earlier "Limited Prices".
"Our goal is to use modern and European methods to achieve the flourishing of the standard of living of our citizens and full economic development," announced Đeljošaje's cabinet.
A few days ago, Spajić announced that the Government plans to establish a new state company that will be in charge of commodity reserves, but also for the direct delivery of basic foodstuffs from these reserves to citizens. As he told the Mina business agency, in addition to the advantages of lower and stable prices of these foods, there will also be great benefits for people with social needs, disabilities, pensioners and others who have difficulty walking to the supermarket.
"Vijesti" from Spajić, are still waiting for answers about the concrete way of doing business of this company.
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