markets, bakeries are responding to the government’s decision to freeze the price of bread at 33 denari. All bakeries have agreed to stop production until the measure is lifted, which was introduced alongside the abolition of the state electricity tariff for food industry companies, another blow to the industry.
Informax reported unofficially that it is now difficult to find bread on the shelves. Our team visited several markets today and they reported that bakeries had not delivered bread this morning. Only markets with their own bakeries had a small amount of bread, and there were leftovers from yesterday’s production.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Kovačevski and Minister Bekteši pointed out that the measure was taken because they had determined that some companies were unreasonably increasing the price of bread to make a profit.
Kovačevski stated that he would not allow unjustified price increases and that prices had been allowed to settle for a sufficient period of time since the government’s assistance was real and timely. Although producers of staple foods received subsidized electricity, their prices were not reduced or only slightly reduced. That is why the government decided to lift the measure.
Producers of staple foods will be supplied with electricity according to the Energy Law and electricity supply regulations. The government is freezing the price of white and semi-white bread, sliced and in pieces, at 33 denari. This applies to bread weighing 450 grams or more, and for bread weighing less than 450 grams, the price per bread will be determined in proportion to the weight of the bread, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski said at a press conference.
Kovačevski pointed out that this decision will be in effect until May 31, 2023.
