Rising prices in Kosovo - Pristina residents: Everything is too expensive, salaries are not enough

The increase in oil prices, as a consequence of the conflict in Iran, has triggered a chain reaction in the market, leading to higher prices of basic food products in Kosovo. Price increases are also visible at the Pristina market. While citizens complain that everything is expensive, traders offer justifications, but they also complain that there are fewer customers and that those who do come are buying less.

A trader selling fruits and vegetables, Patriot Makesten, says prices have never been higher.

He, who sells a pack of 30 eggs for six euros, also complains that everything has become more expensive.

“Tomatoes are three euros, hot peppers three euros. Cucumbers are cheaper because they come from Albania. What comes from Albania is slightly cheaper. It is obvious that citizens’ interest has declined due to high prices, so they do not want to buy them. As for fruit, prices are the same, they have not changed,” Makesten said, Kosova Press reports.

Cigarettes have also become more expensive.

According to trader Hasan Matoshi, price increases are also driven by government policies.

“If electricity prices rise a little, if fuel prices rise a little, they immediately increase prices… There is an excise tax of 50 euros per pack of cigarettes, which is not right,” Matoshi said.

This situation has also affected clothing sellers. One of them, Rahim Govori, complains about the lack of interest in buying clothes.

“Prices are rising, and there are no customers. There is a lot of work, but we try to do it properly,” Govori said.

On the other hand, citizens place the blame on the government.

Muharem Metolli emphasizes that they only care about themselves and do not care about the people at all.

“These people do not think about anyone, only about themselves. Instead of helping each other. No, these people only think about themselves,” Metoli stressed.

Veton Kika admits that given the prices, he cannot survive on a monthly salary.

“Prices are very high, they have changed a lot. We try to cope as much as we can. That is the problem, because you cannot survive on a salary,” Kika said.

Zeqir Govori is pessimistic about overcoming the crisis.

“It is difficult, but what can we do. Low salaries, low pensions… I do not know how we will cope with this,” Govori said.