All types of fruit and vegetables produced in North Macedonia will be included in the government’s revised consumer basket, Agriculture Minister Cvetan Tripunovski announced on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference, Tripunovski said the produce will be added to the basket in stages, depending on the season and harvesting period. A dedicated calendar outlining the availability of seasonal crops has already been submitted to the Ministry of Economy.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is working together with other ministries on shaping the basket and is responsible for the agricultural products. The list is extensive, and I believe the final version will include all locally grown produce,” Tripunovski said.
The reform comes as the government prepares to roll out a new consumer basket that will reflect the monthly costs of a three-member household. In contrast, the current basket, calculated by the Federation of Trade Unions (SSM), is based on the needs of a four-member family.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Labour Marjan Risteski said the new basket is being coordinated with trade unions, the Employers’ Organization, and the Consumer Protection Organization. It will be presented to the Economic and Social Council by the end of the month for verification.
The move follows public dissatisfaction that the current model no longer reflects the real cost of living. According to the latest union calculations, even €1,000 a month is not enough for a family to meet basic needs.
The updated methodology will exclude costs considered non-essential, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and vacations abroad, as authorities aim to define a more realistic baseline for everyday living expenses.
