TIRANA, April 1 /ATA/ Chairman of the Democratic Party in opposition Sali Berisha stated today at the meeting of the Parliamentary group that Albanian citizens are bearing the high cost of an oligopoly-driven economy, where limited competition results in steep prices for essential goods.
Berisha emphasized that the phenomenon is not limited to the hydrocarbon market, but also extends to basic consumer products.
“Oligopolies hold a tight grip on essential goods, ranging from oil to staples like meat and sugar,” he said.
According to him, oligopolies are an intermediate phenomenon between fair competition and monopolies, present in other countries as well, but which requires the intervention of the rule of law to protect citizens from abuses and secret agreements that damage the market.
Berisha raised concerns that in Albania these structures, according to him, are directly affecting the increase in prices, making them higher than in European Union countries, despite the lower purchasing power of citizens.
He also criticized the level of taxes on fuel, emphasizing that they are among the highest and affect the final prices.
According to him, this is a key factor in the increase of the cost of living.
The opposition leader emphasized that the Democratic Party is not against business, but against market distortion and lack of competition.
He warned that one of the main priorities of his political force will be to undertake a frontal fight against the oligopolies.
“It is the major obligation of the DP to undertake a frontal fight for protection of the interests of the citizens,” Berisha said.
Berisha underlined that Albania has a sufficient legal framework for consumer protection, but its implementation remains a problem, calling for the strengthening of the relevant institutions and increased transparency in the market. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./
