ZAGREB, 9 Dec (Hina) – Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar announced Monday that the government is considering expanding the list of products with capped prices to address rising costs, particularly during the holiday season.

Speaking after the 41st meeting of the Lider business weekly’s Exporters Club, Šušnjar also encouraged citizens to bake their own bread as a cost-saving measure.

Šušnjar acknowledged that rising food prices are a global challenge but recalled that the Croatian government has already capped the prices of 30 essential goods. He stressed the importance of consumer awareness, stating that consumer behaviour has a significant impact on market prices.

He praised the State Inspectorate for penalising retailers who violate price cap regulations, adding that inspections, prompted in part by the Ministry of Economy, will be intensified.

“We are also considering whether additional products should be added to the list of capped prices,” Šušnjar said, urging consumers to penalise businesses that unjustifiably raise prices or exploit price caps.

The minister highlighted that Croatia’s market is well-developed with alternative purchasing options that could pressure retailers to act responsibly. He also recalled the government’s efforts to ease inflation through measures such as regulated electricity and gas prices and the capping of essential goods like flour, oil, and milk.

Šušnjar pointed out that wage and pension increases, which have outpaced inflation threefold, have helped offset inflationary pressures.

He also commented on the potential strike of education sector workers and other public sector employees demanding higher wages, noting that one should negotiate, balancing fiscal capabilities and the demands of various sectors.