Growth in food prices in Slovakia steepest in the region

The growth in food prices in Slovakia in June exceeded those of the other Visegrad Four countries (the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary), Michal Feik of the Agriculture Ministry stated on Wednesday. According to the ministry, it is the businesses that keep raising their prices, while Slovak food producers are being forced to supply them with products at ever-lower prices. Food prices in Slovakia grew by 0.5 percent in June, which was the highest rate in the region. Poland saw a 0.4-percent increase, while prices in the Czech Republic went up by only 0.1 percent. In Hungary, prices actually dropped by 0.2 percent. The Retailers Association disagrees with the claims by the Agriculture ministry, pointing to the worldwide rise in food prices, as well as Slovak specifics such as the rising price of labour and fuel prices.