“ELSTAT’s data for July 2023 inflation register signs of de-escalation as there is a decrease of -1.1% on a monthly basis and a stabilization in the monthly food price index, without this of course meaning that the problem does not remain for a large part of the population and especially the most vulnerable families”. This he pointed out the Minister of Development Kostas Skrekas in an interview he gave today to Real FM.

“That’s why, he added, apart from the other initiatives like the market pass which covers a large part of inflation in basic items for every household, we are continuing and intensifying controls along the entire supply chain. We will be merciless and merciless against those who, in the midst of this crisis, may try to make a profit.”

Referring to school supplies, Mr. Skrekas said: “We have already spoken to large chains that sell a large volume of school supplies, we have asked the same as from supermarkets, that is, affordable prices for school supplies, and they have responded positively. What we want is that school supplies in the month of September 2023 should not be more expensive compared to September 2022”.

He also reminded that with a provision of a recently passed law, school supplies were also included in the “Household Basket“, which should contain notebooks, pencils, bags and all the necessary items for the student at affordable prices.

Mr. Skrekas also emphasized that:

“We give importance to controls in the sectors in which increases in raw materials are recorded, whether it is wheat, whether it is fruit, whether it is olive oil, food in general. The Greek farmer has reduced production due to the weather conditions, as it happens in other countries, and this can increase prices not only in Greece but on a pan-European and global level. We are here to ensure that from there and up the entire supply chain there will not be a single person who tries to profit by taking advantage of a very difficult situation for the Greek family. From the producer onwards, the entire supply chain will be audited. We are proceeding with strict control of the gross profit margin. We have already gone ahead with data collection to ensure that there will be no room for profiteering by the remaining links of the supply chain. It is possible to approximate the actual gross margin from the valuation they have in their warehouse and the net sales prices to their customers and thus impose severe fines on offenders. I remind you that ten days ago we imposed the first fine of 24,265 euros on a large flour industry. I also remind you that the names of the defendants will be made public, as provided by law.”