Serious Inflation in Armenia

The newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' reports that official statistics have recorded significant inflation in the consumer market of Armenia over the past month. Everything has become more expensive since December of last year. For instance, the price of sugar has risen by 2.2 percent, while the reported inflation in the dairy market has reached 1.6 percent. The price of bread, which is considered a staple food, has also increased, with official figures showing a rise of 1.6 percent. The cost of flour has gone up by 1.5 percent, pasta by 2.7 percent, and rice by 2.9 percent.

'Zhoghovurd' has learned that the price of eggs in December 2021 has increased by 12.7 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Against the backdrop of these price hikes, the government of Armenia is making promises that citizens will live better this year; as of January 1, pensions and benefits have been raised by 3,000 drams, and income tax has been lowered.

However, the authorities seem to forget about inflation, as property taxes have risen since January 1, and food products, both imported and locally produced, will again become more expensive due to increases in excise duties and customs tariffs. We are silent about the increase in water prices and the upcoming rise in electricity costs on February 1. How are you supposed to pay your utility bills or buy food with an extra 3,000 drams in pension?