Reasons for the increase – The cheapest food has never been so expensive

Vienna’s social markets are being stormed, reports the “Krone”. The Chamber of Labor thinks it knows the reason for this and mentions high food prices. The results of the price monitor paint a shocking picture: the average price of a shopping basket consisting of the 40 cheapest food and cleaning products has risen by about 53 percent since the wave of inflation caused by Corona (problems with supply chains). To this end, prices were examined in three branches of seven Viennese supermarkets and discounters over several days.

Low-income households in particular suffer from this
This development hits low-income households particularly hard, as they often have to resort to the cheapest food. And these are more expensive than ever before. The shopping basket, containing products such as flour, orange juice, coffee and penne, reached its highest level yet in December 2024 with an average of 77.99 euros. Individual products experienced strong price increases (see chart).

Now there is even a risk of further price increases
Gabriele Zgubic of the Chamber of Labor calls for quick measures: “People must be able to afford a life. Politicians are called on to ensure affordable food.” The AK sees the increase since 2021 as a result of general inflation and rapidly rising energy costs.

Trade organization: ‘Dealers also affected’
The criticism of the AK calculation comes from the trade association. Energy costs and high rents also play a role. However, retailers would not make any money from it and would face high costs themselves. Trade union boss Rainer Will warns of a further downward spiral: “At the end of 2024, important energy subsidies ended, while taxes and levies rose.”