Despite government measures introduced since the beginning of the year, food prices in Greece have risen by 12%, with the sharpest increases affecting fresh produce, fruit, potatoes and meat. Prices of other staple foods have also risen.
A cap on gross profit margins was in place from mid-March to the end of June, while prices remained stable throughout July and August under an “agreement” between the government, suppliers and supermarket chains.
According to Eurostat, prices in Greece were higher in August than in January in 18 of the 33 main categories monitored, with increases ranging from 0.3% to 12%, compared with a maximum of 5.5% in the eurozone.
Inflation in Greece rose to 5.1% in September from 3.7% in August, while eurozone inflation increased to 3.8% from 3.2%.
For example, yoghurt prices increased by 4.33% in Greece, compared with 0.83% in the eurozone.
Speaking to Parapolitika radio yesterday, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos did not rule out further measures to tackle high prices. He also urged consumer organisations to put pressure on businesses to take part in the price reduction initiative.
“Consumer associations, which are unfortunately extremely weak, could, instead of making general statements, come forward and say, ‘Dear consumers, these companies are not participating in the initiative or do not want to continue,’” the development minister said.
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