Following supermarket boycotts in Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo on February 10, Albania has now joined the movement. Rising prices and low wages are the two main factors that have impacted Albanian household economies.

“Albania is the only country in the world where prices go up but never return to previous levels. According to INSTAT data, imported products have not increased in price, yet other figures show that prices rise every month. Supermarket chains have found ways to exploit prices, taking advantage of the fact that we are among the poorest countries,” said Granit Sokolaj, Executive Director of Qendra Alert.

Although Albania operates in a free market, where prices are dictated by supply and demand, the lack of regulatory oversight has allowed supermarkets and open markets to manipulate prices freely.

“Institutions exist, but their negligence prevents them from keeping prices under control. While the market is free and driven by supply and demand, when all supermarket chains increase prices massively, consumers have nowhere else to turn. We are essentially blaming the donkey instead of addressing the saddle—meaning, it is the public institutions that need to act,” Sokolaj stated.

If consumers mobilize and participate in the boycott, the effects will be felt immediately. Due to the fiscalization system, Albania’s Tax Directorate receives real-time sales data, allowing for an immediate comparison of sales before and after February 16.