Prime Minister Edi Rama went on conducting inspection visits to several bakeries in Tirana to check prices of bread and other basic food items. The government head and producers of bread and bakery products discussed the current situation and impact of Ukrainian war on consumer prices.

The Minister of Finance and Economy Delina Ibrahimaj said it is important that at this difficult time no bread producer abuses with bread price and loaf standard weight while every consumer is provided what he pays for. “It is mandatory that every bakery displays bread price and bread weight. We have received various complaints over alleged reduction of the standard loaf weight that is being carried out by bakeries. It is important that during this time, actually always, but particularly now that prices are soaring and people are really concerned over the rising prices – because it is understandable that the bread price will increase when the flour price is increased –  yet no producer or retail seller should not abuse with weight and every consumer should be provided what they pay for. The recently established task force to monitor prices and profit margin will also check weight and make sure that consumers are granted what they pay for,” Finance Minister said.

In a conversation with bread producers, the government head said that we should deal with the current situation together and in full solidarity and understanding, preventing any potential abuse and abusive advantage at the expense of the consumers.  “This is a difficult phase for everyone, including you, although many totally wrongly tend to blame producers, suppliers and traders only. However, on the other hand, people should be also understood as they are all experiencing a lot of distress. What we can and should do is to prevent abuses as much as possible and price caps be set as such that you do not face troubles and earn minimum profits and not take advantage of the situation to earn profits that you wouldn’t be able to gain even during normal times. This is the reason we have established the Management Boards for Foods and Fuel. Fuel price rose again in the international market and this is something we can’t stop and such a rise will be reflected in consumer prices. However, we should demonstrate solidarity so that nobody gains at the citizens’ expense,” PM Rama said.