Market reality vs. Moldova s rising food prices
Food prices continue to rise. In April, they increased by two percent compared to March. The largest increases were recorded for fruits and vegetables, at nine and five percent, respectively.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that, in contrast, chicken eggs became cheaper by nearly six percent. According to specialists, prices could decrease with the appearance of local seasonal products.
Vendors at the Central Market in the capital told us that they are still seeing decreases in prices for some items. These are domestic products – tomatoes, cucumbers, or cabbage. On the other hand, apples and onions are more expensive because stocks are nearly depleted, according to traders.
Prices are the same as last year; they haven't gone up further. New potatoes have become more expensive because they're new. But the prices for regular potatoes are the same as they were in winter.
Cucumber prices have decreased. Last week they were more expensive – 40-45 lei. More are being brought in and produced. It's warmish. Cucumbers grow slower at night, but there are still many.
While some citizens consider prices affordable, others perceive them as exaggerated and far exceeding their salaries and pensions.
Considering the salaries we have, it's clear that prices don't match expectations or reality.
Good prices. Mushrooms at 25 lei, a very good price. A bit large, but fresh. And the strawberries are very tasty, local to the Republic of Moldova.
They're a bit high, especially in Moldova. Look, I bought a kilogram of apples, some leaves for sarmale, tomatoes, radish.
With a small pension, 1700 lei, what can you buy? Yes, for me they are expensive.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in April, food prices increased by nine percent compared to the same period last year. The largest increases were for vegetables and fruits, by about 30 percent.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
