Despite government efforts to cap retail margins, high prices of basic goods continue to burden consumers in Serbia. Experts warn that without stronger enforcement of existing laws and increased market competition, significant price reductions are unlikely.
Economist Dragovan Milićević highlights that laws on trade, consumer protection, and competition exist, but enforcement is slow, and investigations into suspected monopolistic behavior by major retail chains are still ongoing. The Antimonopoly Commission is investigating four large chains for potential price-fixing, though results have yet to be released.
Consumer journalist Jelica Antelj notes that temporary measures like boycotts provide only short-term relief and do not address the underlying high prices. Three days after implementing the margin limits, retail prices remain largely unchanged, while promotional discounts have been removed, leaving consumers worse off.
Milićević adds that limiting margins may simply shift costs to suppliers, and administrative regulation alone cannot solve the problem. Both experts agree that increased market competition and stricter enforcement of existing laws are essential for stabilizing prices and ensuring long-term benefits for consumers.
A new law on unfair business practices is expected by the end of the year, aiming to address structural issues in pricing and competition. Until then, consumer prices are likely to remain high.
