Cap on commercial mark-up for basic foods
The measure capping the commercial mark-up on basic foods in Romania has been extended by another six months.
Leyla Cheamil, 26.09.2025, 14:00
The coalition government in Bucharest has adopted an emergency decree, extending until the end of March next year, the cap on commercial mark-up for basic foods. The measure was finally agreed upon by coalition parties, after the topic created tension in the coalition. This issue was also addressed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in talks with producers and representatives of large retail chains. We recall that, in July 2023, the cap on commercial mark-ups was introduced for a period of 90 days. Subsequently, the term was successively extended through several emergency decrees, being valid until the end of this month. According to the authorities, the decision to extend the cap for another six months targets all actors in the agri-food chain – processors, distributors and traders – but, in particular, protects the most vulnerable consumers, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The decision contributes both to stabilizing prices and increasing purchasing power, as well as to stimulating sales and promoting social inclusion. Although the measure helps stabilize prices for 17 foods considered basic, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan believes that other long-term solutions must be found, instead of direct interventions on the market.
“Decisions must always be made not for populist reasons, but on the basis of serious analyses. I believe that market interventions are not, in essence, the solution for a real drop in prices. Solutions mean having more production. This is very important, to increase our production and the processing of agri-food products, because we must admit that we have not tapped into Romania’s full agricultural potential”.
The list of agricultural and food products for which the commercial mark-up is capped includes plain white bread, cow’s milk, bulk cow cheese, plain milk yogurt, white wheat flour, cornmeal, chicken eggs, sunflower oil or fresh chicken meat. The list also includes fresh bulk vegetables and fresh pork. The cap is also extended for fresh bulk fruits. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the measure has proven beneficial and contributed to the significant decrease in prices for the targeted products and, implicitly, to the increase in the purchasing power of the population, as well as to the reduction of consumer price indices. The Ministry expressed its firm commitment to protecting citizens’ best interests and ensuring equal access to quality basic foods. (VP)
