Food prices are rising in Austria: families are facing difficulties with costs
The Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK) has issued warnings about the sharp rise in food prices, confirming that everyday goods have become expensive for many families. Despite the efforts of the food retail sector to avoid the accusation of price increases, the chamber states that the price hikes are undeniable.
In September, the prices of the cheapest food items rose by 8.2% compared to the same month last year. A shopping basket containing 40 essential food items and some cleaning products now costs nearly 82 euros, compared to less than 76 euros last year. Employee representatives described the situation as "unbearable," noting that coffee prices have risen by 57%, table vinegar by 41%, and orange juice by 36%.
Some basic commodities have seen significant price increases: the price of milk chocolate rose by 23%, whole milk by 8%, and tomatoes by 7%. However, there are some products that have become cheaper, such as shower gel, which decreased in price by 17% compared to last year. Overall, food prices have risen by 33% since the end of 2019, increasing pressure on family budgets.
The chamber also highlighted the ongoing price difference between supermarkets and discount stores, where supermarkets are 7.8% more expensive compared to discount outlets. This disparity underscores the uneven impact of inflation on the retail sector.
To address these price increases, employee representatives are calling for the establishment of a committee to combat inflation. This committee will analyze price increases along the supply chain and propose measures to prevent unjustified increases, with the aim of protecting consumers from the significant financial burden.