The action of locked prices continues in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Employers in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Trade proposed lowering and locking prices for 56 food and hygiene products. It is a measure that should contribute to the quality of life of citizens. What products are these and how effective has this measure been for citizens so far?
The fourth round of locked prices began on October 1 and will last until the end of the year. While some of the products were reduced by only a few pfennigs, we single out eggs whose regular price was 9.45 for 30 pieces, and the current locked price is 7.95 marks, children’s diapers 66 pieces from 31.45 to 21.85, a kilogram of gluten-free flour from 9.95 to 7.85, gluten-free bread from 5.90 to 3.95. Seemingly favorable, but again, it is not possible to save money, according to the surveyed citizens.
The price-locking action should bring citizens savings of around 50 marks per round of consumption, according to the Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MARIO NENADIĆ, Employers’ Association of FBiH
“We believe that the list of 56 food and hygiene products in the 4th round is an adequate answer for the difficult situation of our population, for the difficult social and material situation. We were guided especially by the circumstance that the first round gave good results and that we received messages from the consumers themselves and suggestions for extensions.”
Locked prices are goodwill, but not an obligation of traders, and consumers cannot accept it as a permanent solution, because it is not enough, say the Consumers’ Association. Institutions create consumer policy.
MARIN BAGO, Consumer Protection Association “Futura”
“I’m afraid that it was slightly missing, more serious solutions, from tax reform, about initiatives towards all local communities, cantons, etc., that local communities influence the reduction of individual amounts from the consumer basket.”
However, we should not hope for a more permanent stabilization of prices in the near future.
ŽELJKO ŠAIN, professor at the UNSA Faculty of Economics
“In the long or medium term, price stabilization cannot occur due to all the unrest that exists both in BiH and in the region, that is, globally in the world. Mutual trade chains that are connected simply cause a difficult supply of all goods and services, and this is the main factor in price destabilization .”
The “We lock in prices” project began on December 15 last year, and was initiated by an agreement between the Employers’ Association, the Federal Ministry of Trade and retailers. More than 30 commercial entities that have more than 1,500 shops in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina participate in the project. At the end of the year, the effects of the action will be evaluated and it will be decided whether it will be extended or improved, the employers said, BHRT writes.
