This year, the Institution of the ombudsman for Consumer Protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) received over 400 different complaints from consumers, but a surprisingly small number of them related to the increase in prices in stores and gas stations said the institution.
To the greatest extent, the complaints were related to the sector of services of general economic interest (energy supply, water, telecommunications), the sector of trade services (deficient goods, warranty periods), and the tourism sector (missed arrangements), said the mentioned institution.
At the same time, they note that a surprisingly small number of complaints, less than 10, were related to price increases, and changes in the prices of goods and services in consumer goods stores (food, textiles) and gas stations.
”Complaints were considered in coordination with the competent entity and county inspectorates and cases were resolved accordingly,” according to the Institution of Ombudsman for Consumer Protection in BiH.
The institution once again appeals to consumers to take into account the different prices of the same or similar products at different sales locations and make purchasing decisions accordingly. In addition, to report any irregularities they observe to the Ombudsman Institution or to the inspectorates, and to take care of future purchases from all those stores where a violation of consumer rights has been observed and “punish” them by choosing their competition.
They also remind that in February of this year, they made a recommendation to the governments of the entity and the Brcko District of BiH to adopt additional direct price control measures in cooperation with the competent ministries and departments and to establish sustainable commodity reserve mechanisms and make an increased investment in the development of domestic production.
In addition to the above, this year the Institution held public consultations with inspection bodies related to online trade, as well as a meeting with the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs in order to achieve better cooperation, BHRT writes.
E.Dz.
