Nutrition is one of the basic needs of man, but unfortunately, 2018 marked an increase in the price of food for Albanians. According to data released by Eurostat, the level of food prices under the purchasing power (PPP) method rose to 78 from 71.3 a year earlier. Albania has a higher price level than EU candidate countries, but also higher than some EU member states such as Romania, Bulgaria or Romania.
Although a year ago, the price level was lower than most countries in the region, ranking only in Northern Macedonia.
For 2018, behind Albania is Serbia, which has a price level of 77.1, Montenegro with a level of 76.2, Bosnia and Herzegovina with 75.3. Whereas North Macedonia has the lowest with only 61. For EU member states such as Bulgaria, Romania and Poland, food prices range from 65.4 in Romania (the lowest) in Bulgaria to 74.8.
The price level in Eurostat sets as the basic level of 100 the average price across the European Union. The food price level of 78 in Albania means that prices are as high as 78% of the European average.
Countries below the European average in terms of food prices are: Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom.
Neighboring countries such as Italy and Greece have a price level higher than the EU average of 113 and 102 respectively by purchasing power parity.
The most expensive in Europe remains Switzerland with a level of 163.6, although the level of food prices has fallen compared to a year ago.
Source: Monitor
