
The government of the Republic of Moldova analyzed the reasons for the rise in prices for medicines, food, bakery products, cereals, and oil products.
In particular, the latest trends in price changes for these socially important goods were discussed in the government by the working group responsible for the analysis and monitoring of prices. During the meeting, chaired by Aureliu Ciocoi, Acting Prime Minister, the members of the working group discussed issues related to the pricing mechanism; factors that led to the rise in prices. It was also about compliance with the regulatory framework governing the pricing mechanism for socially significant goods, as well as measures to be taken. The representative of NAER informed about the factors that influenced the increase in prices for petroleum products, noting that the growth corresponds to the realities of the international market, which are due to the increase in import prices and the increase in excise taxes from January 1, 2021. Aureliu Ciocoi ordered the creation of a group of experts in this area to analyze the regulatory framework establishing a method for regulating prices, and submitting, if possible, proposals for amendments to legislation to apply a more efficient method. “It is necessary to analyze the situation in the region and, if necessary, prepare amendments to the legislation so that neither the state nor the consumer will suffer. I believe that the increase in the costs of economic agents amid the pandemic crisis is a consequence of poor management, ”said Aureliu Ciocoi. Competition Council Chairman Marcel Raducan noted that the agency is currently investigating some operators of the oil products market. “Even if we do not have sufficient legal leverage, we must consider the option of a possible cartel agreement between oil companies, which have equally increased fuel prices,” he said. State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Tatiana Zatic provided information on the change in prices for medicines used in the treatment of COVID-19, noting that the treatment of patients is free in hospitals for all patients, regardless of whether they have a health insurance policy or not. In addition, most of the medicines prescribed for patients receiving treatment at home are reimbursed from health insurance funds. Given that the legislation does not provide for the regulation of prices for food additives used in the treatment of COVID-19, prices for this type of product have increased. Aureliu Ciocoi instructed the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the need to limit the prices of food additives. As it was noted at the meeting, in the context of a pandemic crisis and poor grain harvest last year, prices for bakery products and cereals increased. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, compared to 2019, the harvest decreased, therefore, there was a slight increase in prices. State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Mihail Machidon assured that all measures are being taken to maintain the required level of prices and stocks. In this regard, the competent authorities were instructed to monthly monitor the dynamics of prices and volume of exported cereals. // 20.01.2021 — InfoMarket.