Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the increase in the price of bread came as a result of a tax imposed by Russia, which is the largest exporter of wheat in Europe.

He noted that the abolition of value-added tax (VAT) on wheat and other bread sub-products would not reduce the price for consumers.

During a live debate on Top Chanel late on Monday, PM Rama said that the experience with reducing VAT on agricultural inputs showed that it has no significant effect on reducing prices.

Rama also said that the price of bread has increased three times in the last 8 years. “This comes from the fact that Europe's largest supplier of grain which is Russia has imposed an export tax. This has caused the price to rise everywhere. You cannot stop this by taking action, because it is directly related to the market. Even the reduction of VAT has not brought results in lower prices in other countries. The impact could be even greater," the PM added.

According to Rama, the opinions that prices can be set by the central government are fantasies