Прилавок магазина в Минске. Молоко. Фото: Reform.by
The Belarusian government has revised its price regulation system, reducing the list of price-controlled goods from 199 to 76 items. The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Aliaksandr Turchyn.
According to the government, reducing the number of price-controlled goods is a timely measure, as the domestic market has stabilized and prices are showing moderate growth.
“Removing these goods from price regulation will allow domestic companies to improve their financial position, pursue a more flexible pricing policy, and regain their positions on the domestic market. However, if signs of unjustified price increases emerge, price regulation for these goods will be reinstated,” the government’s press service said.
The following products have been removed from price regulation: milk, kefir, sour cream sold in glass containers, blended teas, lollipops, chewing gum, and exotic citrus fruits.
The maximum permitted markups have also been revised for certain imported and domestically produced goods, including milk, kefir, sour cream, and black and green tea.
“The increase in markups for imported goods will not affect the market because domestic products hold a strong position on the domestic market,” the government said.
Price regulation has also been introduced for certain products, including baked goods and processed meat and fish, prepared in catering facilities operated by retail businesses and sold through their retail outlets. For these in-house products, the catering markup has been capped at no more than 10 percent when they are sold through retail stores.
The resolution also limits the period during which manufacturers may independently increase wholesale prices to one calendar year. The measure is intended to prevent producers from accumulating unused price increases over several years.
Retail businesses have also been granted the right to include the costs of mandatory certification of repackaged products in their packaging expenses.
Most of the changes will take effect upon the official publication of the resolution. The provisions governing pricing for products prepared in catering facilities will enter into force ten days after its official publication.