Inflation in February remained unchanged in Albania, causing prices to increase by the same percentage as in January.

The price change indicator reached 1.9%, which, compared to a year earlier, has decreased from 2.6%, which was in February 2024.

But what has caused this price increase?

According to data from the Institute of Statistics, citizens are paying more for basic living products, such as food, home maintenance, drinks, but also rent. Also, expenses for clothing, shoes and entertainment have not been left out, reports TCh.

Economic expert Romina Radonšić says: "The level of purchasing power is the same, Albanians are trying to manage their finances well to the same extent. Of course, good management also includes identifying priorities, since Albanians prioritize physiological needs, food and shelter. Of course, the highest level of price increases will be here."

The main driver of inflationary pressures remains food, whose prices increased by almost 2.8%, it reports. KosovaPress.

Food inflation is keeping the price of several key products high, such as meat, which, according to INSTAT, increased by 4% in February, followed by vegetables by 3.2%, milk, cheese and eggs by 2.8%, and then sweets and fish.

"The increase in the price of meat is a consequence of the dependence of livestock itself, since we import meat and we have a shortage of it. The price of meat comes at a price x is set and the profit margins of traders and the end consumer comes at a higher and unaffordable price. While vegetables, since they are out of season, are also at higher prices," she adds, reports KosovaPress.

For Albanian families, food expenses account for about 40% of the total budget, and the growing demand for these products affects price changes in the markets.

Likewise, the February inflation was also influenced by the bars and restaurants sector, as well as the transportation sector, which, with the approach of the tourist season, have experienced price increases.