The inflation wave in Austria continues unabated: after fuel and housing, the cost of food is now also rising sharply. A shopping basket with the cheapest food and cleaning products costs 13.1 percent more than in June 2021. More than four-fifths of the products have become more expensive – sometimes noticeably.
This is apparent from a price monitor* by AK for 40 cheapest food and cleaning products in a total of seven stores. “Now you have to pay more for cheap groceries. This is bitter for many people,” said Gabriele Zgubic, Head of Consumer Policy. “The prices of cheap groceries have soared over the past nine months.”
In June 2021, consumers had to pay an average of 51.68 euros for the shopping cart, in March 2022 that was 58.43 euros on average. The cheap products are often the stores’ own brands, such as Clever or S-Budget.
Supermarkets more expensive than discounters
In March, cheap food and cleaning products cost an average of 8.3 percent more in supermarkets (Billa, Billa Plus, Spar, Interspar) than in discount stores (Hofer, Lidl, Penny). The tested supermarkets and discounters charge the same prices for these foods: mineral water, orange juice, whole milk, tea butter, apricot jam, penne and table vinegar.
*Between March 21 and 24, the AK conducted a survey of the 40 cheapest food and cleaning products in seven supermarkets and discounters in Vienna. The shops: Billa, Billa Plus, Spar, Interspar, Hofer, Lidl and Penny. For the selected products, the product with the lowest base price was queried in each store. Promotions were taken into account, but not loyalty card or bulk discount prices.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
