The Governor of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS), Jorgovanka Tabaković, stated that she expects prices of products that were unjustifiably increased to be reduced. “I do not expect any particular price hikes for any products, to the extent that domestic actors can influence this — including the NBS and the Government of Serbia. On the contrary, we expect a reduction in certain prices that have experienced, I can freely say, unjustified increases,” Tabaković said during the presentation of the Inflation Report – November 2024 at the central bank.
She also emphasized that she would not want wholesalers, retailers, and the overall retail sector to “defy” the Serbian Government and leave shelves empty just because, as she put it, “the state is doing its job, and the state’s job is to prevent monopolistic and cartel behavior.”
According to Tabaković, the government will not relent in this matter and will continue its efforts to curb unjustified price hikes, stressing that it expects all other parties involved to act responsibly as well.
“We do not expect an increase in prices, but rather the reduction of unjustifiably raised prices of certain products. As for geopolitical tensions, container transport, global energy prices, oil, and the international environment, these are factors we cannot influence, but we can respond appropriately,” she said.
The NBS Governor also expressed hope that the actions of the Commission for Protection of Competition in controlling prices would not be limited to food prices alone but would extend to other products, including pharmaceuticals.
“For instance, I cannot explain why a medication I use for my delicate heart has increased by more than 50% in just two years, even in one of the cheapest pharmacies in Novi Sad where I regularly shop as a loyal customer,” Tabaković added, according to Tanjug.
