Hypermarkets fined by ANAF for inflated food prices ahead of the holidays

Tax authorities have uncovered abusive commercial practices in major retail chains, which applied mark-ups exceeding legal limits on essential food products — precisely during the period when many pensioners are stocking up for the winter holidays.

Inspections carried out between August and November focused on compliance with price regulations for basic foodstuffs, and the findings have raised serious concerns for consumers, particularly those on limited incomes.

Meat mark-ups double the legal limit

The most serious violations were recorded in the sale of meat, an essential product in older adults' diets. On boneless pork leg, retailers applied mark-ups double the legal cap of 20%, significantly straining the budgets of low-income households.

This practice directly erodes the purchasing power of pensioners, who allocate a significant portion of their monthly income to basic food items — and meat remains an important source of protein in elderly people's diets.

Excessive margins on fruit and vegetables

The situation is no better when it comes to fresh produce. Inspectors identified mark-ups of 52% on plums, far exceeding double the legal limit. On carrots, the commercial margin reached 30%, against a legally permitted maximum of 20%.

These unjustified price increases particularly affect older people, who need a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit and vegetables in order to maintain their health.

Fines running into millions

As a result of the inspections, authorities issued fines totalling 18 million RON against 11 companies, ten of which are hypermarkets belonging to major retail chains.

ANAF (Romania's National Agency for Fiscal Administration) has announced that checks will continue throughout the winter season, warning that this period carries a heightened risk of unjustified price increases — precisely when vulnerable consumers, including pensioners, are most in need of protection against abusive commercial practices.