The price of basic white bread in Montenegro will increase by five cents from June 11, rising from 80 to 85 cents. This is the first price increase in three years for bakery products. The reason for the price hike is significantly increased production costs, including a 60% rise in gross wages for employees, 20% higher transportation costs, and increased prices of ingredients such as salt, creams, and cheese. Bakers emphasize that maintaining current prices is no longer sustainable. Retail chains confirmed they will not increase their margins but will adjust prices to cover the higher costs. The government had previously frozen bread prices, but due to global crises and the war in Ukraine, prices of cereals and flour have risen, further impacting bread prices.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the impact of rising costs on workers and consumers, highlighting the increase in wages as a necessary measure to retain employees in the bakery sector. They may also critique the government’s failure to compensate bakers for previous price freezes and stress the burden on ordinary people due to inflation.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the price increase, explaining the economic reasons such as increased wages, transportation, and raw material costs. They present statements from both bakers and retailers, emphasizing the balance between covering costs and avoiding excessive profit margins.
Right: Right-leaning media might focus on the responsibility of the government and market forces, possibly criticizing government interventions like price freezes that distort the market. They may highlight the need for free market adjustments and the role of entrepreneurs in managing costs and prices.
