The rise in food prices in Kosovo, particularly for vegetables, is causing concern among the country’s citizens. Vegetables have reached record prices in Kosovo in recent days. Currently, the price for a kilogram of peppers has reached around 5 euros, KosovaPress reports.
According to citizens of Kosovo, these prices are very high, and therefore, they are calling for state institutions to intervene as soon as possible to regulate prices. Meanwhile, the “Consumer” association has described this increase as a global inflation issue.
Azem Hasani, a citizen, told KosovaPress that these prices doubled during the month of Ramadan. With two bags in his hands, Hasani expressed that he only buys a few things at the market, as he says that with a pension of 100 euros, he is unable to afford enough food.
Meanwhile, Rrahim Plakiqi expressed that those who do not have support from their compatriots are in a difficult economic situation because of the raised prices.
According to Plakiqi, even protests cannot lower these prices. He calls on the state to support citizens in order to ease their ability to cope with the high prices in markets and stores.
Vesel Veseli has called for the competent authorities to visit markets and stores to “punish traders who set unreasonable prices.”
Another citizen, Xhafer Lilaj, added that he manages to buy essential products only “with help” from his children; otherwise, he sympathizes with those who rely solely on pensions, as they “have a very hard time.”
Selatin Kaçaniku, the president of the “Consumer” Association, describes this as global inflation, saying that the main reason for inflation is that Kosovo does not have its own currency.
In recent days, the price increase has been observed in other vegetable products as well. Green lettuce today costs 4.20 euros, tomatoes 3.50 euros, and potatoes over 1 euro, KosovaPress reports.
KosovaPress has also requested a response from the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade regarding the inspection of markets for prices, but they have not replied by the time of the publication of this article.