The increase in fuel prices is being accompanied by a rise in the cost of food products. According to observations in the fruit and vegetable market in the city of Vlorë, almost all products—including fruits, vegetables, and dairy—are being sold at higher prices compared to the period before the conflict began.

If just a few days ago 1 kg of tomatoes was sold for 200 lekë, today it is priced between 350 and 400 lekë. Meanwhile, price increases have also been recorded for vegetables such as peppers and eggplants, as well as dairy products, where one kilogram of cheese is now sold for 100–200 lekë more. This situation directly affects citizens’ budgets, especially pensioners, who say the government should have taken earlier measures to ease the impact of these increases.

Citizens say they cannot afford these prices, which they describe as abusive. According to them, daily living has become unaffordable.

“We can’t make ends meet—what should we buy first, medicine or a salad? I bought two bananas and I have no money left. Prices are very high, everything is increasing here. Fuel has had an impact, but they also raise prices themselves—we can’t cope,” said an elderly woman.

Another woman stated that prices have risen more than they should have:

“Prices are high, they’ve increased more than necessary. Fuel has had an impact, but it’s not affordable—salaries don’t compensate for these prices. We hope they will go down, but we don’t know.”

Another citizen said the price increases are abusive, adding:

“Prices are extremely high, it’s very difficult. There’s a lot of increase and it’s done abusively. The state should control it—these things happen under the pretext of fuel. What does a tomato have to do with fuel?”

To avoid “scaring” customers, some traders do not display prices on their stalls. However, they themselves admit the rise in prices, especially for imported products. According to them, this situation is driving customers away from the market and is pushing traders toward bankruptcy, forcing them to abandon their long-standing businesses.

“We just walk around—I haven’t sold anything. Prices have gone up because of the war, because of Edi Rama—he’s the one raising them. Apples, pumpkins, carrots are 1,000 lekë more wholesale. Young people have left, pensioners get 100,000 lekë—what can I buy with that? It will get worse,” said one trader.

Meanwhile, not only basic food items but every sector has been affected by rising prices following the increase in fuel costs.