December brings saltier prices for the holidays / Inflation rises, caused by traders’ maneuvers

With the arrival of the end-of-year holidays, inflation has increased by 2.1% compared to a year earlier. The rise in consumer demand has affected the indicator of price changes across several categories. Rents, water, and fuel raised inflation in November, followed by food and alcoholic beverages.

“Look, the inflation rate for September, which is considered the highest in a year, was 2.4%. In October, it was 2.3%. It is neither high nor low,” says economics expert Klodjan Muço.

Other categories that contributed to rising prices include household furniture, as well as bars and restaurants. But the price increases will not stop here; this December, Albanians will once again pay more for fruits and vegetables. The rise in consumption during the holidays is seen by food traders as a good opportunity for profit.

“If we take the basket of basic food products, the items used daily, and considering that Albanians traditionally spend a lot during the end-of-year holidays, because this connects to our past, then consumption will increase, and traders see this as a golden opportunity, so the tendency will be to raise the prices of consumer goods,” adds Muço.

The Central Bank forecasts that by 2026 inflation will be within its target of 3%, a level considered acceptable for price changes according to the institution.

“KORÇA BOOM”