Inspectorate steps up price checks, 600 to 700 consumer basket items under analysis

In the coming period, the State Market Inspectorate will intensify inspections of retail chains, covering between 600 and 700 products in the consumer basket. The aim of this process is to clarify how the price of each product is formed, from the supply stage to the point of sale, as well as to uncover irregularities that contribute to higher prices.

The news was announced by the Minister of Economy and Labour, Besar Durmishi, who said the step was taken after a meeting with representatives of retail chains, as well as with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and Labour, and the heads of the responsible institutions. According to him, each product will be subject to a detailed review in each retail chain separately, so that institutions can gain an accurate picture of the factors that affect the final price paid by citizens.

Durmishi underlined that inspection checks are not a new practice, as they have been carried out continuously since the start of the economic crisis. He stressed that increased inspections have been conducted in the past three months alone, while institutions have acted in the segment of trade margins where this has been permitted by law.

He also recalled that the Government had previously taken measures to lower fuel derivative prices, limit trade margins, and establish the consumer basket, with the aim of easing the burden on household budgets.

According to the minister, the market’s long-term stability cannot be ensured through intervention measures alone. He said uninterrupted coordination is needed among institutions, producers, traders and chambers of commerce, along with the timely identification of risks and the prevention of market disruptions.

Speaking about economic policies to date, Durmishi said the Ministry has been committed to reducing unemployment, supporting investment, developing small and medium-sized enterprises, implementing the reform agenda and digitalising services.

He said that through the new operational employment plan, 2.41 billion denars have been secured to support more than 10,000 citizens. Likewise, 1.23 billion denars have been earmarked for investments in the 2026 Budget. As an example of successful investment, he mentioned the Technological-Industrial Development Zone in Tetovo, where a new investment of 21 million euros has been announced, expected to create around 550 new jobs.

In conclusion, Durmishi stressed that the Government will continue with reforms focused on building a more competitive economy, increasing investment, creating new jobs and raising citizens’ standard of living.