According to media, big retailers boosted the price of certain food items by up to 30% in the last two weeks, ahead of the VAT cut that will come into effect in June.
The representatives of supermarkets were heard Tuesday in the Agriculture Committee and said that no price hike has been operated on food products and that the prices will decrease by 12%.
Nini Sapunaru, head of the Agriculture Committee, said that, according to certain information, retailers have operated price increases on food products lately, and that consumers are concerned that the VAT cut would no longer trigger price decreases.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Wednesday that the government can’t freeze shelf prices following a VAT cut to 9% on food items but could introduce special measures, such as high taxes, unless retailers adjust their prices to the VAT cut.
Ponta called on the consumer protection authority and the Competition Council to keep a vigilant eye on store prices following media reports that large retail chains raised prices by as much as 30% ahead of the VAT cut that takes effect in June.
Ponta said last week authorities will check whether the VAT cut on food items is reflected in shelf prices after June 1 and will take all available measures in case of irregularities.