Last year, the prices of food and other products increased by an average of 2.2 percent. Compared to 2023, the indicator of money devaluation in relation to price appreciation was halved.
Data from the Institute of Statistics show that the trajectory of inflation has been decreasing compared to the beginning of the year. From 3.4 percent in January, despite the end-of-year holidays, inflation rose to only 2.1 percent in December, thus marking the lowest levels ever, writes A2 CNN.
"The policies of the Bank of Albania, the monetary policy it has followed to increase the basic interest rate, accompanied by the calming of the markets where we import, have brought about a kind of softening of the inflation rate, bringing it to these levels", said Adrian Civici, expert for the economy.
Data from INSTAT show that in the past 12 months, food and beverages also became more expensive at a slower rate. Inflation in this product category was 2.4 percent from 9.4 percent during 2023. However, the indicator does not match the prices of the products in the markets.
"Prices only increase. 1600 ALL for a kg of tomatoes. Everything just gets more expensive. I don't know what to say", says a citizen.
But why is there no price stabilization in the markets? "In my opinion, in food and beverages, inflation has remained at high levels as a result of traders keeping prices at high levels by expanding their profit margins", says Civici.
Meanwhile, with all the increased flows of tourists, inflation in bars and restaurants remained at the lowest historical levels, at an average of 2.5 percent.
"This is a normal course at the end of the year. What worries me are the rumors of price increases that exceed even the European Union", said the expert.
Despite the good performance in the last two years, the wave of the price crisis in Albania may return. The warning for an even more difficult life comes from the European Commission in the latest report on the country's economy. (A2 Televizion)
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