Prices in Croatia are soaring again: A kilogram of tomatoes a status symbol, vegetables more expensive than meat

Croatia is experiencing a significant surge in food prices, with fuel cost increases acting as the latest catalyst. Traders and logistics companies are warning of a cascading effect on grocery store shelves, predicting price hikes of over 5%. They attribute these increases to the rising costs of transportation and energy.

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Because it is from seed to finished product, nothing harmful to people is used. So we are officially certified ecological producers.

However, trade unions and consumer protection associations are skeptical, suggesting that the fuel price increase is often used as a pretext to artificially inflate profit margins. This practice, they argue, amounts to "fishing in murky waters," where businesses exploit external factors for undue financial gain.

The situation is particularly stark in Zagreb's Dolac market, where prices for common vegetables have become exorbitant. Zucchini is priced at around two euros per kilogram, carrots at two and a half, cucumbers at five, and shallots at eight euros. Tomatoes, a staple, are fetching seven euros per kilogram. One vendor, Senad Hujić, explained his higher price for certified organic tomatoes by emphasizing the natural production process, from seed to finished product, without harmful additives.

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So much. It's breakfast, lunch, dinner, dairy products, fruits, vegetables. Meat the least, but vegetables and fruits are very expensive.

Despite consumers' loyalty to trusted sellers, the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to afford basic foodstuffs. Đurđica from Zagreb shared that her weekly food expenses reach 700-800 euros, covering meals, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, with meat being the least expensive item compared to produce. Another vendor, Katarina, noted that she has had to lower prices because people are not buying, with some items like beans being sold for eight euros per kilogram, down from ten.

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Everything is falling. I have no one to sell to, so I have to give it cheaper. Now they are charging 10 euros per kilo for these beans, and I give them for eight. If it's not selling - it's not selling, I have to give it away!

Traditionally affordable items like pork loin (four to five euros per kilogram) and even a discounted free-range chicken (two euros) are now cheaper than vegetables at the market. This shift in relative costs highlights the severe impact of inflation on household budgets. Mirko Budimir from the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) indicated that while diesel prices were initially predicted to rise by 22 cents, the actual increase was 16 cents, making future predictions difficult but still pointing towards further price hikes. Consumer groups, however, remain wary, pointing to instances like green beans costing 10 euros per kilogram, which represents 2% of the median pension of 504 euros, suggesting that such prices are not solely justified by transport costs.

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There was talk that diesel would go up by 22 cents, then some forecasts came out, now it went up 16 cents, now there are some other forecasts. It is difficult to predict how much it will go up in percentage, but it is expected to go up, and whether it will be up to five percent or maybe more, we will see.