The Essentials Margin Ceiling Actmay apply next year as well, if inflation persists, noted Development Minister Kostas Skrekas, speaking at the OT Forum held as part of the 87th TIF.

He informed that in the coming days the fines imposed on shops will be announcedwho unjustifiably raised prices in the affected areas of Thessaly while stressing that “greed inflation” checks are ongoing and rigorous, in order to establish which increases are justified by wider market conditions and which are not.

Specifically, to a question about phenomena profiteering in the market, Mr. Skrekas emphasized that “anyone who tries to speculate in such a difficult moment for the country will pay very dearly. We will be childless. And this does not concern only Thessaly”.

He revealed that the fines already imposed will be announced in the coming days. even in small shops that unreasonably raised prices in the affected areas and reminded that a ceiling was immediately imposed on the price of bottled water by the government, while several large chains have proceeded with discounts in Thessaly.

Mr. Skrekas also noted thati intensified market controlsand there is cooperation with the regional trade directorates. “The income of the Greek family has decreased and everyone should understand that. It’s not about revenge. We want strong businesses and a strong business base, but we have to protect consumers,” he said.

In addition, the minister stated that “at the European level, we have problems with price volatility, but also shortages” while he said that markets such as the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain are being monitored “and we are seeing how prices move there”.

“In some products we are below average and in others average”, the minister continued, noting “If we see that things are getting out of hand, we will intervene”. He emphasized that “we will have to ensure that there will be no shortages in the market, imports will be made to cover the demand, as well as controls on the profit margin of businesses based on the law in force.”

The minister also mentioned that the law on the ceiling on the profit margin may come into effect next year as well, if inflation persists and emphasized: “We are in favor of the free market, but not in favor of the unregulated market.”