Serbia’s Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, stated that the main goal of the recently adopted regulation limiting retail margins is to stabilize prices and organize the market in preparation for new retail chains. She emphasized that the regulation aims to create a long-term, systematic solution aligned with EU legal frameworks but adapted to the local market.
Lazarević noted that previous measures have already led to lower prices and reduced costs for suppliers, which previously contributed to higher consumer prices. She acknowledged that citizens may have expected larger price reductions, but said the price structure is complex. The recent amendment to the regulation addresses market pressures from retailers on suppliers, ensuring clearer and legally regulated relations.
The ministry will continue to monitor the market, with further changes to the regulation possible. Lazarević highlighted that retail chains in Serbia tend to follow each other’s pricing, resulting in higher food costs and market anomalies not seen in other European countries.
The regulation currently covers essential items—food, hygiene products, and personal care goods—focusing first on basic necessities.
