WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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POBJEDA
Montenegro has long known at high prices of food, but we are most recent data - we have also stopped Luxembourg, although their minimum earnings are almost five times higher than ours and the largest in the European Union.
Trade chains want maximum profit
These price differences can be attributed to the specific way of forming prices in Montenegro. Namely, trade chains often determine product prices and change them continuously, which leads to fluctuations and often too high prices for consumers. While in Luxembourg, there are more stable prices, the trading chains use the dynamic price determination in order to maximize profits, which is negatively reflected on consumer budgets.
The minimum earnings in Luxembourg is among the highest in the world. From July 2024, the minimum monthly gross salary for unskilled workers is around 2,507.65 euros, while for qualified workers higher, around 3,009.18 euros. These values are updated periodically in accordance with inflation and other economic factors. In Montenegro, the gross minimum earnings is 568 euros, while net 450.
In Luxembourg, the amount of net salaries depends on several factors, including income tax, social contributions and possible relief applications. Differences between gross and net earnings may be significant due to relatively high taxes and contributions.
These amounts are indicative and may vary depending on the specific situation of the individual, including marital status, number of children, additional relief and other factors that affect the tax base. For the exact amount of net earnings, the salary calculator is used for Luxembourg.
In season prices fly to heaven
Prices in Luxembourg markets, according to the information sent by our readers, are surprisingly favorable. For most items, prices are lower or equal to those in the markets in Podgorica. Compared to the Montenegrin coast, we can say with certainty that prices in Luxembourg and much lower.
The walk through Podgorica markets reveals something very frustrating: drastic differences in the prices of the same products, regardless of whether they are on action or not. Tracking the trade margins is becoming an almost impossible mission, and customers are confused and dissatisfied. The situation is further deteriorated in tourist centers, where prices during the summer season fly to heaven, forcing citizens to plan higher food costs in advance.
An example that especially point eyes is the price of butter. In Montenegro, you must set aside at least four euros for quality butter, while the most expensive reaching as much as 5.79 euros. Compared to Luxembourg, where the price for 250 grams of butter starts from 1.99 euros, it is clear how exaggerated prices in our country are.
Another amazing example is olive oil. While in Luxembourg the price of a liter of olive oil 8.99 euros, in Podgorica is the lowest price of 15 euros, and in some cases the prices are reached by 25 euros.
It is also surprising that a kilogram of flour in Luxembourg 0.35, while in some marketers, there is also an euro.
Then, a liter of milk in Tetrapak is 0.79 euros while in our country, more than euro if we exempt temporary actions.
Vegetable prices, when it comes to Podgorica, similar while in Luxembourg are much lower than they are on the Montenegrin coast.
We can also notice the prices of juices in the photos that are also lower in Luxembourg, as well as a bread bag that is 0.80 euros in Montenegro, while in Luxembrg you can buy it by 0.55 euros.
These differences in prices are particularly surprising when we take into account differences in the standard of living between the two countries. Luxembourg, as one of the richest countries of Europe, should have more prices of basic foods.
However, the exact opposite, in many cases, the prices in Montenegro are higher, which further burdens the home budget of citizens. This raises the question of how much our consumers are burdened with high prices and what measures should be taken to ensure that basic foods are accessible to all citizens. The introduction of more transparent practices in price formation and better market control could contribute to reducing prices and facilitate life to citizens.
