Trade Minister of Bosnia's Federation (FBiH) entity Zlatan Vujanovic said that the ban on the price increase in the wholesale and retail trade comes into effect on Monday, warning that all those who violate the Law on Price Control will be fined severely.

The law forecasts all possible scenarios when a significant price change can take place, said the minister, adding that this exactly happened on March 5 when the first infection with the novel coronavirus was detected in Bosnia.

“The fines range between 1,000 to 10,000 marks (500 to 5,000 Euros) for business entities, and one-fourth of a given amount for individuals, i.e. anyone who violates the law. It is important to make this public so that traders get informed and get serious. It is our goal that we act preventively in order to stop unreal forming of prices,” he added.

The citizens now got a protection mechanism and can immediately report the breach of the law to Federation's, cantonal or city authorities, said Vujanovic.

A list of items whose price must not be changed includes flour, milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, eggs, sugar, oil, food for kids, hygiene essentials, sanitizers, gloves and masks.

Citizens of Sarajevo can report the price irregularities on +387 33 22 66 44.