Uncontrolled price spike makes holidays harder for Albanian consumers

TIRANA, Dec 25- For Albanians the market of vegetables and fruits is like a magic circus where prices change perpetually in this festive year end. Only that the game is not funny. Common consumer good which could be bought at normal prices a week ago are not at prices about 20 percent higher. The ministry of economy and the tax offices declare that no changes have been made in the taxation scheme of the goods, yet traders knowing the huge demand and the willingness to have a full table for the holidays benefit in their price increase. The authorities warned local businesses to stop abusing with the demand otherwise they will be charged higher taxes. The dispute has been transferred between two local actors: wholesale suppliers and small shop traders who continue to blame each-other. Food products such as eggs have recorded an increase of 40 percent. Finance vice Minister Florion Mima says that according to their economic analysis prices should have been decreased in the same way it happens all over the world for holidays. He added that in total there are 1500 inspectors that will examine the markets for offenders.