Food prices in Greece show highest increase in the EU

Following the latest VAT hike, crisis struck  Greece shows the highest rise in food prices among the European Union’s 28 member states, according to Eurostat.

Figures released by the EU statistical authority show that food prices went up 2.9 percent compared to July, the largest percentage increase among the EU 28.

Compared to August last year, prices in super markets were up 4.2 percent in August 2015.

Specifically, bread and cereal prices rose 3.2 percent, the largest among the EU. Meat went up 1.9 percent, also the largest in the EU where the price of meat went down 1.3 percent on average.

On an annual basis, oils went up 9.9 percent, fruits 17.2 percent, vegetables 9.6 percent, fish 0.4%, and milk, eggs and cheese increased 0.3 percent.

Figures in the Consumer Price Index for September show a partial decline compared to August, but price increases were observed, compared to the beginning of the year.

According to similar data of the Greek Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the price of fresh milk in September shows a 2.96 percent increase compared to June.

Also, Eurostat figures show that in August, compared to July 2015, the price of soft wheat increased by 4.6 percent when on average in the EU the price of soft wheat decreased by 5 percent.

Durum wheat went up marginally by 0.8 percent. On an annual basis, soft wheat prices in Greece increase by 6.7 percent, while at the EU level comparatively there is only a 1 percent increase.