Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj said that inflation is predominantly imported in Montenegro and similar to that in Serbia and Croatia with which it is most closely linked in terms of food supply, adding that the Government continues to monitor the situation closely in cooperation with key partners.

Speaking at a control hearing held by the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget, dedicated to inflation and its effects on citizens’ living standards, Gjeloshaj said he did not consider himself the minister responsible for that issue.

“Thank you for the invitation, but I must emphasize that this matter does not fall under my jurisdiction. Our Ministry is responsible for preparing legislative proposals, while measures are adopted through the Economic Reform Programme, which is prepared and implemented by the Ministry of Finance,” Gjeloshaj said.

He recalled previous studies showing that inflation in Montenegro is primarily imported, with domestic factors having a much smaller influence.

“When we analyze the region, specifically Serbia and Croatia, on which we rely heavily for food imports, they are at a similar inflation level,” Gjeloshaj noted.

He added that other factors have also contributed to inflation, including measures adopted by Parliament at the Government’s proposal that introduced additional taxation in several sectors.