Market Pass, “family basket” and profit limit for new products

By setting a ceiling on profits and introducing other restrictions, extending the Market Pass program until October of this year and a new six-month extension of the “family basket”, the government thereby protects citizens from galloping inflation.

In response to supermarket abuses (price gouging), the Treasury issued a bill to strengthen the incomes of workers, youth and families, which includes provisions to introduce a profit margin ceiling not only on basic food, raw materials, fuels, liquids and solid combustibles, but also on school supplies and devices (appliances) for the production of domestic hot water (water heaters).

The difference with the price regulation that was applied until the end of June of this year is related to the “starting point” in 2020. So, instead of comparing the profit margin with that applied before September 1, 2021, in the current semester it will be compared with the profit margin as of December 31, 2021.

Until December 31, 2023 it is prohibited to derive gross profit from the sale any product or provision of any service necessary for the health, nutrition, accommodation, movement, heating, production of hot water for the needs and safety of the consumer. And also from the sale of school supplies and agricultural products, and food products, in particular raw materials for the production of fertilizers, animal feed, raw cereals of all kinds, flour, vegetable oils, if gross profit per unit exceeds the corresponding figure established until December 31, 2021.

For reference, let’s say that a ceiling regulation that companies in the supermarket sector do not hide their dissatisfaction with, first started to apply for specific products in 2020, during the first quarantine. Then the regulation was returned (in an expanded form) in 2021, to be applied again in 2022 due to rising inflation. Ultimately, the price cap provision was extended until June 30, 2023.

It should be noted that the document It is stated that the Minister of Development may indicate (determine) the categories of goods to which the price increase ban in question applies. In case of violation, fines are provided in the amount of 5,000 to 1,000,000 euros, and in case of concealment, falsification or failure to provide accurate data, a fine of up to 50,000 euros.

It should be noted that Representatives of the newly formed Hellenic Supermarket Union (ESE) have asked Minister Skrekas to limit the extension of the “family basket” from six months to three and only then, if necessary, extend it for another three months. Concerning Market Passthen the food aid program is planned to be extended for another three months, i.e. until October.

https://rua.gr/news/bissecon/55862-novaya-programma-market-pass-vyplaty-prodolzhatsya.html

Applications will be considered based on the income of citizens for 2022. This means that tax returns must be submitted on time. The criteria for income and property remain the same as for the amount of assistance: from 22 to 100 euros per month, that is, from 66 to 300 euros for a three-month extension. It is noted that those who received previous assistance do not need to reapply (they will be considered automatically).

However, those who did not apply but have an income reduction and are eligible are eligible to join the program now.

https://rua.gr/news/obschestvo/52667-market-pass-kak-poluchit-maksimum-deneg-i-chto-dlya-etogo-nuzhno.html

In addition, those who already received in the previous round of social assistance (on a digital debit card) may, provided that they are still eligible for new assistance, receive the amount on the same card, which remains activated until December 31, 2023.

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