Skopje, 15.01.2025
Today marks the end of the New Year's Basket campaign, which was created at the suggestion of businesses with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Labor and lasted from December 15, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
The main goal of the New Year's Basket, which was created by businesses, that is, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, was to create a broader list of individual food products that were placed on the shelves at reduced prices.
It prevented price increases before and during the New Year and Christmas holidays and maintained a stable inflation level in December 2024 and January 2025, during the New Year and Christmas holidays when there is increased consumption.
The list of products, as published on the My Basket website, which the Ministry of Economy and Labor created specifically for this campaign, included 1,178 products from 96 manufacturers and distributors, 51 markets participated, and the campaign was implemented in 762 points of sale.
If we look at these numbers, I believe that the New Year's Basket campaign was successful and contributed to reducing the prices of the products that were included in it.
According to the State Statistical Office, the data on Consumer Price Indexes and Retail Price Indices for December show that inflation in 2024 compared to 2023 is 3.5%, as projected. On a monthly basis, in December 2024, compared to November 2024, inflation is 0.3%.
Statistical data show that in December 2024, compared to November 2024, the decrease in the cost of living for food and non-alcoholic beverages was -0.3%.
This shows that the New Year's basket, which included mostly food and non-alcoholic beverages, has had its effect and food and beverage prices in December 2024 mark reduction compared to November 2024.
It is also expected that the statistical data for January 2025 compared to December 2024 will confirm the effects of the New Year's basket, that is, to achieve a further reduction in the cost of living for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
We extend gratitude to all manufacturers, distributors and retailers who joined and participated in this action and reduced the prices of food products and some beverages during the New Year and Christmas holidays.
The Ministry of Economy and Labor will continue to create measures and policies in the coming period that will protect the standard of living of the citizens.