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The prices of 70 products of multinational companies are much higher on the Greek market compared to their prices in six other European countries (Spain, Germany, France, Cyprus, Slovenia and Greece). This showed a survey of the General Trade Secretariat at the Ministry of Economy.  

It appears that, when the income of thousands of households decreased, consumers pay higher prices for many products. And if not first in cost of living, Greece surely ranks second or third, while Germany and Slovenia are the cheapest countries to shop.

It is indicative that soft drinks in Greece are 31% more expensive than in France, youghurts are 65 % more expensive than in France, flour is 95% more expensive than in Germany, cereals cost 13% more than in Slovenia, milk is 21% more expensive than in Germany,  toothpastes are 88% more expensive than in France, orange juice is 69% more expensive compared with Slovenia, beer is 39% more expensive than in Germany, and children's milk powder is 83% more expensive than in Spain. Cyprus proved to be the most expensive country in the survey jointly with Greece.

Unlike the high prices of the multinational companies’ products, Greece has the cheapest prices of fruits, vegetables and pasta. And the difference in comparison with other countries included in the survey of the ministry is big. According to the Vima newspaper, the survey of the General Trade Secretariat is associated with widespread products of 20 multinationals, applying the transfer pricing, which controls the exchange within the company.

Specialists define transfer pricing as one of the main tools of the ministry to trigger the procedure for price reduction. It is noted in the survey that there are products sold at double price in Greece compared with Germany or that the companies operate at a gross profit margin of 40% to 60%.

Legal regulation (changes in the bill for cabotage exempting) will be drawn in this connection. It will enable the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance to form control groups for more efficient control.  
According to another survey of the Greek consumer center the consumer basket of the Greek family grew heavier for one year. In July 2010 it was worth € 2,087, while in July the previous year it was worth € 1,977 or 6% less. Prices of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes (19%) and transport (19%) have increased the most.