Croatia’s govt is trying a similar tactic to rein in prices, which have soared in recent years. The govt introduced price controls for retailers last month, targeting supermarket items such as bread, pork and shampoo. The penalties are less drastic than those decreed by Diocletian, mandating a fine of up to €30,000, for retailers breaking the rules. It is unclear whether the new edict will be any more successful than Dioc letian’s, which economists say ended up being counterproductive by causing shortages, fuelling a black market and enabling profiteers. For the moment, consumers are still figuring out how to navigate the new system, which caps the price of 70 common grocery store products. The first two efforts were largely ineffective, with retailers simply refusing to stock most pricecontrolled goods. But the govt says it is serious this time, and it has promised regular inspections and fines for violators. Under the new rules brought in by PM Andrej Plenkovic, shop entrances must display a list of all 70 items that fall under the government’s pricing regulations. Most were store-brand gene rics, already less expensive than more recognisable labels. Many people say price controls are not the answer.