After electricity, bread and coffee become more expensive? The Competition Authority declares itself on the situation

Citizens in Kosovo are facing continuous price increases, from basic products to various services. Most recently, after the 16.1 percent increase in electricity prices, an increase in the prices of bread and coffee has also been announced.

Faced with this situation, citizens are expressing their concern, saying they can no longer afford the successive price increases. They are asking institutions to take measures to protect consumers.

Regarding the situation, Telegrafi has contacted the Kosovo Competition Authority. This institution has stated that they can only intervene in cases where it is suspected that prices have been determined through secret agreements between economic operators.

"First, we would like to clarify that the Kosovo Competition Authority does not have the authority to set or reduce prices, as in a free market economy, prices are set individually by enterprises, based on market conditions and their costs.

However, the Authority intervenes in cases where it is suspected that prices have been determined through secret agreements or prohibited collusion between competing enterprises, in violation of Law No. 08/L-056 on the Protection of Competition, specifically Article 5 thereof,” their response states.

Further, they explain that they are constantly monitoring market developments.

"Regarding the market situation, the authority is continuously monitoring market developments, including the food and gastronomy sector. We are currently in the analysis phase of about 20 basic products," the response continues.

As for prices in the gastronomy sector, they emphasize that inspectors are constantly on the ground.

"Regarding the gastronomy sector, especially the increase in the price of coffee, our inspectors are constantly conducting field visits to various cities in Kosovo, communicating with coffee shop owners and representatives of the sector to identify: the reasons for the price increase; and whether any coordination or prohibited agreement for unilateral price increases has occurred.

"Once the market analysis and information collection phase is completed and if indications of violations of the law are identified, the Authority will take all actions foreseen by the legislation in force," the Competition Authority stated.

Recently, several photos have circulated on social networks, stating that the price of a macchiato has become 2 euros, while bread in some bakeries costs 60 cents and in others 70 cents. /telegraph/