Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj has stressed Thursday that bread price is affordable, although Albania, one of the poorest countries in Europe, is ranked as the country where its inhabitants spend more on bread and cereals in relation to their income.

According to Ahmetaj, the increase in the bread price was caused by the increase in grain prices in international markets, and even Russia, one of the largest exporters has raised the price of wheat production.

“If you look at the detailed account of the increase in the price of flour and that of bread, so far the price is affordable at a 7-10% increase.

All the calculation we have done is in this percentage. In principle it has practically come due to rising grain prices in international markets. Russia, one of the largest exporters has increased the price of wheat production.

It is the 3rd time in 8 years that such a thing happens. Prices over a period of about 7-8 months are reflected in the domestic market.

We are continuing to monitor it and will have answers to that. Yesterday, by order of the Prime Minister I had a meeting with the Minister of Finance and the government will sit down and make decisions.

There will be no forced prices. They would destroy the citizens and the economy. We are at a stage where growth is at those levels that even entrepreneurship absorbs”, stated Ahmetaj.