• The value of the minimum consumption basket, necessary for a family to lead a decent life, increased by more than 19%.
According to the data published in the report "The minimum monthly consumption basket for a decent living for the population of Romania" made by the Friedrich Ebert Romania Foundation and Syndex Romania, a family with two children would need 8.659 lei monthly to cover expenses, compared to 7.233 lei, the amount needed in September 2021.
The value of the minimum shopping basket was, in September, 19,7% higher than last year. Consequently, in order to make a decent living, families will need more money.
The expenses are also high for a family that has only one child. For monthly consumption, they would need 7.112 lei per month. Things are just as difficult for families without children, who, for the monthly basket, need 5.322 lei per month, and a single adult needs 3.275 lei per month. The basket value was recalculated based on the price indices communicated by National Institute of Statistics for September 2022, compared to September 2021.
In the same report it is shown that, between July and September 2018, Syndex Romania and Quality of Life Research Institute carried out a research at the national level for the foundation of a minimum consumption basket for a decent living for the population of Romania.
The highest price increases recorded in recent years
In designing a minimum monthly consumption basket, a set of periodic expenses necessary to meet basic needs for a family with a given structure is used.
It includes needs such as housing and food, but also a number of basic needs such as clothing, personal hygiene, education, health care, transport, communications, recreation, as well as any unforeseen expenses (family events, health problems).
Analysts draw attention to the fact that we have the highest price increases in the last 20 years, and the recession is approaching. Household incomes have fallen significantly due to inflation, while prices have hit a record high this year.
In Romania, the concern of the population regarding the next period is increasing. With inflation rising from 15,3% to 15,9% in just two months, Romanians cannot cope with the high prices, and for the majority, the salary is no longer enough even for utilities.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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