• Food prices in Romania recorded a notable increase in June 2025, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Compared to the same period in 2024, food costs rose by 7,36%, reflecting continued inflationary pressure on the Romanians' consumer basket.
Of all food categories, fresh fruit recorded the highest price increase, with its price being 33,47% higher in June 2025 compared to June 2024. In addition, between May and June 2025 alone, fresh fruit increased in price by almost 11%. Vegetables also experienced significant growth, with an annual advance of almost 12%, although their price decreased by 3,7% in June compared to May.
Other food products that became more expensive include oil, up 9,3% compared to June 2024, meat and meat preparations, up 4,65%, bread, up 5,84%, cow's milk, up 6,5%, and alcoholic beverages, up 4,74%. In contrast, sugar is the only product on the list analyzed by INS which recorded a price decrease, being 3,76% cheaper in June 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year, but also compared to the end of 2024.
Overall, food prices increased by 0,5% in June compared to May and by 4,6% compared to the end of 2024. These developments contributed to an annual inflation rate of 5,7% in June, the highest value recorded in 2025. The outlook for the rest of the year indicates a continuation of the upward trend in inflation, driven by factors such as the expiration of the electricity price cap scheme, but also by the increase in VAT and excise rates, which will enter into force on August 1, 2025.
These developments highlight the challenges facing Romanian consumers as the costs of basic goods continue to rise, affecting purchasing power and household budgets.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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