Deputy Minister Risteski announces approval of consumer basket, implementation expected in September

Deputy Minister of Economy, Marjan Risteski, stated today that the average consumer basket has passed the processing phase and has already been approved by the Economic and Social Council. He added that data harmonization with the State Statistical Office is currently underway and expressed confidence that, after this process is completed, concrete implementation will begin in September.

During a working meeting held at the Economic Chamber, Risteski made an important clarification for the media, once again emphasizing the fundamental difference between the two concepts. He insisted that the average consumer basket should not be confused or equated with the minimum consumer basket.

“I am reiterating for the seventh time that the average consumer basket does not represent the same thing as the minimum consumer basket, which is essentially not minimal and is made public by trade unions based on their internal parameters,” he explained.

The deputy minister further emphasized the practical significance of this new instrument, explaining that it will serve as a solid foundation for formulating sound economic policies. According to him, this basket will enable the adoption of well-founded laws, decisions, and measures, which are based on carefully and professionally analyzed statistical data.