The government has decided to postpone the implementation of new rules on pricing in the service sector, so price caps will not be introduced for services from 1 October. The decision on the postponement was published on 28 September, with Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar announcing amendments and a new agreement with business representatives.
Šušnjar stated that he had recently spoken with craftsmen, business owners, and traders who were required to adjust their operations to the new obligations. The government will propose a postponement of the implementation, effectively withdrawing the decisions that were set to take effect on 1 October. The aim of the measure has not been abandoned; rather, a method of implementation that is more acceptable to business representatives is being sought.
"We can misjudge, we can make mistakes, but I always strive to be a responsible politician," said Šušnjar, who posted on social media. He also stated that he was aware of the problems the new rules might pose for business owners, particularly due to the additional administrative burdens and adaptation costs. The minister had been a business owner for nearly 20 years.
The idea behind price caps was to allow consumers a simple overview of price movements. Alongside the current price, a reference price, or anchor price, was to be displayed, based on the price valid on a predetermined date. According to the previous government decision, the price valid on 10 September 2026 was to be used as the reference for newly introduced products and services. The aim was to enable consumers to easily compare prices and see changes more clearly.
The ministry had previously published clarifications for traders and service providers. It was stipulated that the additional price should be clearly highlighted alongside the current price at points of sale, in price lists, and in promotional materials.
Šušnj announced that he would invite business associations and entrepreneurs to a meeting to review the details together and find a solution for further regulation. By November, the regulations were to be prepared, setting out the method for displaying the base price and publishing price lists, with specific exceptions defined and administrative burdens reduced, provided they do not directly benefit consumers.
The postponement does not mean abandoning the intention to provide consumers with greater price transparency. The aim remains to enable the public to easily see price changes, while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden on business owners. The new rules are to be regulated by decrees, the entry into force of which is expected in November. The decrees are to clearly define the base price and the manner of publishing price lists, with certain exceptions, and removing obligations that are judged not to provide a real benefit to consumers.
