Lithuanians from Latvian sample do not promise

While the Lithuanian government is still considering how to reduce food prices, residents are looking for where cheaper.

« In the market, I think it is better because sometimes it reduces the price, you can negotiate, and you will not negotiate in stores, » she said.

« Now it’s cheaper at the market. Tastier strawberries there, » the resident said.

The average basket of the cheapest foods in Lithuania has increased by 10 euros a year. Thus, the essential products may also have to pay about 70 euros.

« If the meat, then € 50, maybe more. If without meat, up to 20 are really, » another interlocutor said.

The Italian Lithuanian, who came to the market, wondered at prices. « There are more expensive here. Lithuania is poor, I can say, » she said.

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Latvian residents are already happy. The country’s government, food producers and merchants have signed a memorandum for price reduction.

« They will not increase their profits from the human account to actually be affordable, » said Arūnas Svitojus, Chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture.

The 10 cheapest goods cart, the cost of which will be constantly regulated. Residents will also be able to monitor prices and compare them, while the Lithuanian government is still negotiating and discussing the Food Council. Then Latvia does not promise to rush.

« We will wait for the effect of such agreements and we will see if it is worth repeating it in Lithuania, » said Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.

Photo by E. Rauluševičius / ELTA

Minister of Economics and Innovation Lukas Savickas hopes that the Seimas will adopt amendments to the Consumer Rights Protection Act before the summer to legalize the price monitoring mechanism of prices.

« The government has already been able to provide a positive conclusion that we can objectively see where and what trends are being formed in the price. If we see that something, say, raises questions, we will see it from objective data, » Savick said.

According to economists, the decision of Latvia is not necessarily suitable for Lithuania. Compared to Estonia and Latvia, food in Lithuania increased the least.

« Food is 4.4 % more time in Lithuania and 6.3 % in Estonia and 6.5 % in Latvia if you take food under the unit, in fact, the situation in Lithuania is the best, » explained economist Algirdas Bartkus.

Lower prices in Latvia should feel in two weeks. Former Minister of Finance Gintare Skaistė is in no hurry to enjoy her neighbors.

« It is likely that the prices of that basket will decrease, but whether the business will not increase the price of other products in order to stay at the same level of profit, » said G. Skaistė.

Whether our government should regulate food prices, residents disagree.

« It seems to me to have to adjust, though a little, » she said.

« People who find it harder could be any discounts, » the resident said.

Economists warn that the introduction of price control causes a risk due to lack of goods.

« What happened at the end of the USSR would happen. The goods would simply disappear from the showcases. They will be sold to Vietnam, Angles, Central Republic of Africa, » the economist said.

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The Government Food Council is investigating what raises prices in the food chain the most.

« Whether it is farmers, processors or merchants – after that, we will be able to decide whether we can reach some national agreement, » the Prime Minister emphasized.

According to the chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture, food would be cheaper if the supply chain was shortened and farmers could supply the products directly to the shops.

« For milk, the Polish farmer gets a higher price, that milk comes to Lithuania and is cheaper than that in Lithuania, recycled milk. Consequently, money remains in intermediate chains, » said A. Svitojus.

« The promotion of local trade could contribute to lower prices and more environmentally friendly products, promoting a certain cooperation, » said G. Skaistė.

The next food council meeting should take place in a month.