North Macedonia shuts down some pharmacies and markets

The key is on the door for eight pharmacies and imported fruit and vegetable markets in North Macedonia. By order of the State Market Inspectorate, they will be closed for 15 days for not respecting the Government's decision to limit margins.

In some of them, the inspectorate has found high margins of up to over 70 percent. The Director of the Market Inspectorate, Vlatko Stojkoski, says that the inspectors have so far written fines worth 42 thousand euros, while 30 cases are being processed and detailed analyses are being carried out, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

"In three markets, a pharmacy and the three largest importers of vegetables and fruits, together with inspectors, we found high margins of up to 70 percent," stated Vlatko Stojkoski - Director of the State Market Inspectorate.

Inspectors have also noticed omissions in other stores.

"Margins from 5 to 20 percent in markets for products in circulation, over 30 percent for products less in circulation and non-food products, hygiene products, baby food and so on. While in the case of importers, gross profit margins are determined for imports on the market invoice, I can freely say 30 to 50 percent," said Vlatko Stojkoski - Director of the State Market Inspectorate.

Stojkoski says that all small businesses and large entities that sell products in bulk will have to publish their prices on their websites and update them daily. Fines for non-compliance range from 500 to 10,000 euros depending on the size of the facility, as well as a 15-day work ban.

The State Market Inspectorate calls on all citizens who notice irregularities to report them on the Market Inspectorate's telephone number or on the website.