The boycott of Voli supermarkets, initiated by the organization Alternativa Crna Gora (ACG), began yesterday and will last until February 23. While business associations urge against the boycott, ACG insists it was based on public opinion gathered through a survey.
According to data from the website www.cijene.me, Voli’s prices are either the lowest or among the lowest in several product categories. However, not all prices have been updated simultaneously, and users can verify individual product prices to check when they were last updated.
For instance, Voli offers a liter of imported yogurt for 1.25 euros, which is five cents cheaper than the most expensive price in other chains. Similarly, other products such as sour cream, domestic yogurt, butter, and cheese are cheaper in Voli compared to other supermarkets.
The Montenegrin Employers’ Association (CUP) argued that while consumers’ demands for lower prices are justified, targeting businesses like Voli is misplaced. They emphasized that the government is responsible for the business environment, not the retailers. They also pointed out that Montenegrin retailers have the lowest profit margins in the region, with taxes contributing to higher prices.
ACG, on the other hand, responded to statements made by government officials, clarifying that they are not targeting specific companies and that other markets would also be addressed in the future. They also plan to call for a boycott of imported products next week.
The Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) also criticized the boycott, stating that it harms the economy and government interests, and called for a more constructive dialogue. They warned that such actions could negatively affect the stability of the national budget, which relies on VAT revenues.
In response to the boycott, Voli informed local producers that it would reduce the agreed-upon quantities of domestic products due to the actions.
