Consumer watchdog on price increases – Speculators are fleecing the market

The INKA General Consumers’ Federation of Greece denounces scandalous profit, noting that inflation has been galloping since September 2020, that is, in the midst of a health crisis, some speculators are fleecing the market.

In a letter to Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis, the organization is calling for a reduction in excise duty on fuel, a reduction or even exemption from VAT on certain product categories such as water, bread, milk, electricity, and animal fodder, as well as pesticide fertilizers in order to alleviate consumption.

The whole letter follows:

“Dear Prime Minister

As INKA General Federation of Consumers of Greece, we receive hundreds of calls from consumers every day and we protest against the uncontrollable situation that prevails in the Greek market.

Basic consumer goods have reached exorbitant prices, such as bread from 1.60 per kilo to 2.20 per kilo and fruits and vegetables up to 130% compared to 2020.

From research in the market we have conducted as INKA it was found that there are increases everywhere such as building materials 40%, electrical 35%, electronics 35%, clothes 30%, shoes 35%, services, restaurants, cafes, fuel 25%, tourist areas expensive We have come to the point that a souvlaki (gyros) sells for 4, 60 each.

The fuel exceeded 2 euros per liter for ordinary gasoline, while super unleaded gasoline reached 2, 27 per liter.

To be precise, it has been galloping since September 2020, that is, in the midst of a health crisis, some speculators were fleecing the market.

As consumers we try to overcome covid -19 but as you understand it is impossible to overcome the scandal of some professionals.

As INKA General Federation of Consumers of Greece, we have been shouting continuously since the beginning of the year 2021 for the upcoming market price hikes.

Unfortunately no one was listening to us.

A few cents of the euro brought big increases in product prices.

INKA’s proposal is to reduce the excise tax on fuel, reduce or even exempt VAT rate on certain product categories such as water, bread, milk, electricity, and fodder as well as pesticide fertilizers.

We hope, Mr President, that we will have results from our proposals for the benefit of all consumers.

The INKA General Federation of Consumers of Greece has been present in the developments since 1970.

Besides, you know that we are the oldest consumer organization in Greece and in the European south.

We are waiting for your announcements in the interest of society “.