30 September 2025
Food became more expensive for yet another month, intensifying household concerns about the cost of living. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) increased by 3.1% in August 2025 compared to the corresponding month of 2024, with the "Food and non-alcoholic beverages" category recording a rise of 2.6%. This increase follows last year's rise (2.3%), showing that the wave of high prices on supermarket shelves shows no sign of abating. Essential products such as bread, dairy products, fruits and vegetables remain at high price levels, maintaining pressure on family budgets.
The household "basket" under test
Although the general index recorded a decrease of 0.6% on a monthly basis - compared to July - food prices show no signs of retreat. On the contrary, they continue to move upward, resulting in daily shopping absorbing an increasingly larger portion of disposable income. It is indicative that food, which holds significant weight in the index (186‰), constitutes one of the main "drivers" of inflation. The persistence of price increases in basic goods, combined with the increase in housing costs (4.7%) and dining out (4.4%), creates a scenario that particularly burdens lower incomes.
The phenomenon in a European context
Greece is not an exception on the European map of high prices. Although data for the Eurozone is preliminary, the upward trend in food remains a common denominator for many member states. However, our country records higher growth rates in specific sectors, which is attributed to both energy costs and taxation. It is characteristic that the HICP at Constant Tax Rates (HICP-CT) records a smaller increase of 2.9%, a fact that highlights the role of taxes in the final price formation.
Focus on consumers
For households, the question remains one: how much longer can the "basket" hold out? The slow de-escalation of general inflation is not reflected in the same way in citizens' daily lives, as the rise in food continues to erode purchasing power. Given that prices of basic goods remain consistently elevated, the discussion about support measures gains renewed relevance. Until then, consumers will continue to carefully count every euro at the supermarket checkout.
Πηγή: FoodReporter September 24th 2025 #1481, page 7.