OKSZ on inflation: We don’t do this!

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 06. 11. 12:50

Compared to April, food prices rose by 0.6 percent in May despite the margin freeze, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) reported. According to data from the National Trade Association, prices in the margin freeze product range have not increased since the end of April, and in many cases have even decreased.

All this clearly indicates that retail trade did not burden its losses from the margin freeze on other products, there is

no cross-pricing
retail trade successfully defended the supplier prices before the margin freeze until the end of May.
price increases occur even if retail margins are fixed in the food product ranges with the highest turnover.

The price increases are not caused by retail trade. The retail trade, through the fierce competition between the largest chains, is precisely dampening the supplier price pressure, because it constantly makes suppliers compete in order to achieve better prices, and in the framework of promotions that entice customers, 10 billion forints per month

This healthy and consumer-friendly competition is made impossible by the state when it sweeps the real problems under the carpet and interferes in market processes. However, due to the failure to eliminate the margin freeze at the end of May, the chance that suppliers will once again try to enforce their previously postponed price increase intentions increases, and losses make it difficult for stores to launch the best promotions.

We are not the ones causing the price increase, and the margin freeze is not in the interests of consumers – summarizes the OKSZ position.