Prosecutor to investigate milk price hikes
An Athens prosecutor is set to probe recent price hikes in fresh and UHT milk after the issue was brought to light in press reports.
Price hikes over the last few days have amounted to up to 5 percent for a number of dairy products, as according to the Development Ministry’s Price Observatory the average price of a liter of fresh milk from a leading dairy firm has risen from 1.18 euros on January 16 to 1.24 euros. The same price was observed at four major supermarket chains.
Prices for milk that has undergone ultra-heat treatment to preserve its shelf life have gone up from 1.60 euros/liter to 1.65 euros/liter in the case of one brand, and from 1.64 euros/liter to 1.70 euros/liter in another.
Producers and Agricultural Development Ministry officials suspect foul play in the hikes, so that prices go back down when the market is liberalized.
