The government launched the "Price Overview" platform and the "Save" initiative on Monday. The initiatives aim to increase market transparency and let citizens compare product prices across supermarket chains nationwide.

The platform displays prices for 238 products across five supermarket chains - Big Market, Conad, Extramarket, Spar, and Xhangolli - covering a total of 155 stores, 109 of which are located in Tirana.

Products are categorized into groups such as staples, meat and eggs, dairy, chicken, meat products and by-products, fruits and vegetables, and others. The platform allows users to sort prices from lowest to highest, view the city and specific store offering the product, and calculate potential savings in lek compared to the initial price.

If a requested price is missing or contains inaccuracies, citizens can report the issue for verification and subsequent data updates.

The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, announced that the platform is available online to citizens nationwide, with a mobile application expected to be released at a later stage to make the service even more accessible. The initiative aims to increase price transparency and enable consumers to stay informed about offers, allowing them to choose stores where products cost less.

According to Minister Ibrahimaj, in the event of violations, the responsible authorities will initiate appropriate procedures, and breaches of consumer protection laws may result in fines.

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the launch of the platform as a goal achieved through cooperation with the five participating supermarket chains. He emphasized that, given rising costs in international markets, it is essential to find mechanisms that protect consumers, particularly those with limited financial means.

According to Rama, the agreement with the country's five major food retailers has made it possible to publish prices for a range of products, which will be maintained at reasonable levels until January 12, 2027.

The Prime Minister also announced the goal of increasing the number of products listed on the platform to 1,000 by the end of the year. Prices will be updated by the commercial entities themselves, enabling citizens to stay informed in real time and compare offers before making purchases.

Rama emphasized that price speculation, when it constitutes a violation of the law, entails punitive measures, including fines in accordance with current legislation.

Rising costs in foreign markets have necessitated steps that go beyond the traditional seller-buyer dynamic, requiring solutions that also address the needs of citizens with limited financial means.

Thanks to five major players in Albania's food retail sector, we now have this overview and an agreement in place for a range of items at reasonable prices through January 12, 2027.

Similar initiatives have been undertaken in other countries; meanwhile, price speculation - when it violates the law - carries penalties, including fines.