The meeting of Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos with representatives of the supply chain was scheduled for July 9, at 11:00 in the morning, with the aim of determining the framework for implementing price reductions on basic consumer products from the beginning of September.
Speaking to Real FM, Takis Theodorikakos stated that the meeting aims to coordinate all the involved bodies, in order to implement interventions that will lead to lower prices for consumers.
The bodies participating
Among the participants are representatives of SEV, the Hellenic Food Industries Association, the Hellenic Super Market Association, as well as the Hellenic Association of Branded Products Industries, which represents companies producing detergents and personal hygiene products.
The governor of the Independent Market Control Authority, Ms. Tsanggari, will also participate in the meeting.
40 product categories on the table
According to information, the Independent Market Control Authority, in cooperation with a major research company in the supermarket sector, has already drawn up a list of about 40 product categories included in the “household basket.”
Based on this specific list, industries are expected to examine price reductions from next September.
The results of the cap on the profit margin
The minister also referred to the results of the measure imposing a cap on the profit margin, which expired on June 30.
Citing data from the Independent Market Control Authority, he noted that in 1,898 product codes an average price reduction of about 6% was recorded.
At the same time, he underlined that after the expiration of the cap there is a common understanding and coordination with market representatives so that there will be no price increases during the summer, a period during which increased tourist traffic could strengthen inflationary pressures.
According to him, the main goal remains maintaining stability in the market and the further de-escalation of prices for essential goods.
Next steps
Referring to the upcoming meeting, Takis Theodorikakos stated: “We will hold an organized and practical meeting with the representatives of all business bodies, with the supermarkets and above all with the Independent Market Control and Consumer Protection Authority, in order for the categories and products in which the necessary interventions can be made to reduce prices to be prepared and specified.”
The minister clarified that the problem of the cost of living cannot be solved exclusively through such initiatives, noting that “if prices fell with one order or one decision, they would have fallen a very long time ago.”
As he added, “the most important thing is that with all our policy the economy becomes more productive, so that people have better wages and our children, young people, have better opportunities to live in Greece.”
Source: ERTnews