Scarcity and High Demand Drive Up Vegetable Prices
In Pristina’s bustling green market, consumers are grappling with rising costs for local agricultural products, with peppers now reaching up to 1.30 euros per kilogram. This surge in prices has sparked concerns among consumers, who find these hikes increasingly unaffordable.
The primary drivers behind the price increase are the scarcity of vegetables this year and heightened demand, according to traders. Many consumers, especially those on limited incomes, are feeling the strain. Ekrem Ismajli, a pensioner, criticized state institutions for their lack of intervention in the market, suggesting that the laissez-faire approach allows traders to set prices without regulation. He also pointed to the shortage in vegetable imports as a contributing factor to the rising costs.
On the supply side, traders and farmers are acknowledging the challenges. Beqir Avdiu, a vegetable seller, recognized the high demand and resulting consumer dissatisfaction over prices. Meanwhile, Enver Konjuhi, a farmer, remarked that the prices are consumer-driven and highlighted the positive impact of subsidies on his farming operations.
A recent report from the Statistics Agency of Kosovo supports these observations, noting a 28 percent increase in vegetable prices and an 11 percent hike in tree prices. This data underscores the broader trend of rising food costs in the region, reflecting both local and global supply chain challenges.
