Romania's governing coalition has decided to extend the cap on commercial markups for basic products until the end of March 2026. The measure, first introduced in June 2023, limits the markup on 17 food categories to 5%.
For fruit and vegetables, the cap applies to bulk tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, dried beans, carrots, Bianca bell peppers, capia peppers, garlic, red apples, Golden apples, plums, pears, and table grapes. Fresh white potatoes are also included.
PSD leaders argued that ending the measure would raise inflation by 2–3%, while Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan initially opposed an extension. Inflation in Romania reached nearly 10% in August, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
The markup cap affects trader profit margins rather than the state budget, according to PSD sources. The measure is intended to maintain price stability for consumers while political debates continue within the coalition.
Source: Romania Journal