Economy Minister Tomislav Coric announced on Thursday that a package of measures to buffer the increased prices of gas and electricity would be presented in the next few weeks, and gas suppliers are expected to reduce their prices with the decreased VAT or the state would react with available means.

“We are working on a package of measures that will affect all stakeholders in the system, including enterprises to some extent. When the package is finished and ready to be implemented, it will be presented,” he said.

Asked by reporters about the attitude of employers who say the plan is late, Coric said that it is not late and that the measures would be timely considering that prices will not go up for households until 1 April.

The package will include gas and electricity

Reporters asked Coric if a package was being prepared for electricity which has increased in price by 200 to 300 percent.

“Our package will cover all energy sources, including electricity and gas,” he underscored.

He added that electricity as a source of power is used more extensively throughout Croatia, and as far as households are concerned, the state should share some of the burden, including state-owned companies.

Responding to reporters in the case that suppliers do not reduce their prices despite VAT on gas being decreased, Coric said that the state will react with all available tools. He would not go into  details about what they may involve.

He explained that gas prices are clearly defined, including margins, and it is impossible to “obscure” the amount suppliers charge as a margin.