Edible, sunflower oil is still high on the shopping list. In one shopping centre in Istocno Sarajevo, there was only one 10-litre bottle out of three shelves meant to contain oil, and its price was 48.99 Bosnian marks (nearly € 25).

Apart from this bottle, there were several canisters of Palm oil on the shelves. For 20 liters of this oil, it is necessary to set aside 99.99 Bosnian marks (some € 50). A notice is also hung on the empty shelves.

“In order to prevent abuse of the current situation and meet the needs of our regular customers, we may refuse to sell basic foodstuffs in case of suspicion that the items are being procured for resale,” a statement in the said retailer said.

Traders, as well as the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, assure that there will be no shortages on the shelves, but it seems the citizens do not believe in these promises.