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At the height of the production season, vegetable prices soar

2026-07-09 07:20:00, Ekonomi CNA

Vegetable prices marked a strong increase in June, precisely during the period when domestic production and seasonal supply are expected to be highest.

According to official INSTAT inflation data, the group "Vegetables, greens and legumes" became more expensive by 8.5% compared to the same period a year ago. The increase is almost three times higher than the average food inflation, which was 3%.

The trend in vegetable prices seems paradoxical, as June coincides with the peak production of a large portion of agricultural crops. Under normal conditions, increased supply during the season should exert downward pressure on prices, but in retail markets the opposite has occurred.

The increase in prices may be related to production costs, as well as increased demand during the tourist season. The highest increase among food products was recorded by fish and other seafood, with 9%. Vegetables followed with 8.5%.

Meat prices increased by 4.2%, while milk, other dairy products and eggs became more expensive by 2.4%.

Sugar, sweets and confectionery products rose by 2.5%, while oils and fats by 1.7%. Cereals and cereal-based products saw a more moderate increase, by only 0.9%.

In contrast, fresh and dried fruits were the only group that recorded a price decrease, by 2.8% compared to a year earlier.

Data show that pressures on household budgets continue to come mainly from basic consumer products, with vegetables, despite the abundant agricultural season, recording one of the highest price increases.

In the summer months, consumption by hotels, restaurants and service units increases, especially in coastal areas, putting pressure on supply and prices in the domestic market. At the same time, part of agricultural production is being oriented towards exports, when foreign markets offer more favorable prices, limiting the quantities remaining for domestic consumers.

Furthermore, the statistical group includes not only typical seasonal vegetables, but also greens, legumes and imported products, which do not follow the same seasonal pattern as domestic production.

The rise in the price of vegetables is coming as a combination of factors that start with the limitation of agricultural production, high demand from tourism, increased exports and increased production and transportation costs./ Monitor