Albania has the lowest inflation level in the region and the EU average. Prices, however, remain high and are comparable to market prices in some of the most developed European countries.

Salary income has increased over the course of a year and prices have almost moved at the same pace. A comparison between inflation and salaries shows that to the latter have grown at a higher rate, to the government. But to economy experts in the country, the difference is not what’s being propagandized.

“In fact, if we discount today’s average salary with the inflation rate, turns out that the salary is the same as four years ago. So there really is no compensation for the inflation phenomenon,” says economy expert, Selami Xhepa.

According to him, almost 70% of the employed people in Albania live by income that’s below the average. This part of the population spends almost ¾ of their budget on basic goods. Therefore, the effect of this inflation is stronger than what is officially stated.

“Even though Albania has a low inflation rate, there is a serious problem with the prices of basic products. Foods, dairy… are things we spend almost half of our income for. Prices have increased up to 25%, and this means that the effect is disproportionate to the society,” Xhepa further explains.

In March, the inflation rate in the country dropped to 5.3% and compared to the region, Albania has maintained the same position. The highest price level is recorded in North Macedonia and Serbia.