Montenegro government plans to limit trade margins amid inflation

The Montenegrin government, through the Ministry of Economic Development, has announced plans to limit trade margins on essential household goods starting January 1. This measure aims to protect citizens' living standards as the country prepares to implement the ‘Euro model,’ which includes significant increases in wages and pensions.

According to MONSTAT data, the annual inflation rate reached 5.2 percent in September 2026 compared to the previous year. The Institute of Economic Sciences has also urged the government to introduce ‘anchor prices’—requiring retailers to display both current prices and a reference price from an earlier date—to increase transparency and allow consumers to track price hikes.

Economic stakeholders have expressed varying concerns. The Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro warned that the ‘Euro model’ requires thorough assessment to avoid increasing business costs, affecting employment, and driving up real estate prices. Meanwhile, business associations have raised concerns regarding the administrative burden and legal certainty of new pricing regulations.