supplier prices

Serbia imposes state control on retail and supplier prices, raising concerns over shortages and quality

A new regulation in Serbia, effective from September 1, caps retail margins at 20% for 23 groups of products, including food, personal hygiene, and household chemicals. The rule also freezes supplier prices at levels valid on August 1, 2025, giving the state full control over pricing. Economists warn that this “price freeze” could pressure suppliers, reduce product quality, shrink packaging sizes, and potentially cause shortages if costs rise. While some price reductions of 10–20% have already occurred, retailers like Delhaize…