Croatia: Consumer Basket Prices Rise Most in Coastal Counties

The cost of essential goods in Croatia continues to climb, with the basic food and hygiene basket for a family of four averaging 480.99 euros in July. This represents a slight increase of 88 cents compared to June, according to research by Koliko.HR and the Croatian Consumer Association (HUZP). This "survival basket" includes 51 essential items for minimal nutrition and basic hygiene.

The price disparities between regions remain significant. Zadar County recorded the highest average cost at 498.08 euros, an increase of 8.06 euros from the previous month. Karlovac County followed at 496.48 euros, and the capital, Zagreb, at 496.13 euros. In contrast, Sisak-Moslavina County offered the lowest prices at 462.96 euros, followed by Lika-Senj County at 464.86 euros.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive basic baskets widened slightly to 35.12 euros. For a three-person family, the basic basket cost 382.23 euros, and for a single person, it was 247.43 euros. The more comprehensive "standard" basket, containing 77 items, also saw a national average increase to 726.58 euros for a four-person family, with Zadar County being the priciest at 749.87 euros.

Ana Knežević, president of HUZP, expressed disappointment that prices did not fall in July, a month typically abundant with seasonal fruits and vegetables. She noted that high temperatures contribute to both discomfort and high prices, suggesting that a drop in temperature might eventually lead to lower costs. Annually, the basic basket has seen a slight decrease in price, while the standard basket has become more expensive.

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It would have been realistic to expect both baskets to become cheaper, but the opposite happened. July is the month with the most domestic seasonal fruits and vegetables, and at least for those products, prices should have been lower. Unfortunately, that did not happen, so we continue to pay relatively high prices. Since temperatures continue to rise, we will be sweating due to the sun and the high prices of the baskets. When the temperatures drop, perhaps the prices will also drop.