Zagreb - The government has submitted to parliament a final bill on extraordinary price control measures, to be discussed under fast-track procedure.
Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar said on Thursday the bill aims to protect citizens' living standards and ensure a swift response to market disruptions.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that the goal is to strengthen the legal framework for government action in exceptional circumstances. This will allow the government to implement administrative measures to keep essential consumer goods affordable for the most vulnerable citizens, he said.
Šušnjar said that the previous law, adopted in 1997, needs updating to reflect current market challenges. "This law will allow the government to implement targeted measures in exceptional situations when market stability and consumer protection are at risk," he explained.
One of the main changes is increased price transparency. Large retailers, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores, and cash-and-carry outlets, will be required to regularly publish product prices online and provide unrestricted access to digital price comparison tools.
Retailers must also display both current and previous product prices from a specified period to help consumers track price changes.
The law establishes a legal basis for introducing direct price control measures when necessary. The government will determine the specific measures and their scope based on economic conditions. "The goal is to prevent market disruptions that cannot be addressed otherwise," said Šušnjar.
Price caps on essential goods and services will continue to be an option, and retailers will be required to label regulated products clearly. Large stores over 400 square metres must also create designated areas for these items.
The law sets out penalties for non-compliance, including fines for retailers and legal entities ranging from €3,000 to €30,000. Additionally, any financial gain obtained through violations will be confiscated.