Genoa. The high prices are felt not only on bills and fuel, but also on everyday shopping. This is ascertained by the consumer price index elaborated by the statistical office of the Municipality of Genoa: in February 2022 the plants recorded an average increase of 16.5% compared to the same month last year, but without significant changes from the previous month (+ 0.1%). Blame the dizzying ascent of the transport costs but also gods price increases on fertilizersnot to mention the expenses for the heating of greenhouses which made the price of the basil.
To better understand the situation and write down some advice for purchases, we took a tour of the Eastern Market, traditional point of reference for the center of Genoa. A few examples: as far as vegetables are concerned, they are striking courgettes and cucumbers around 3 euros per kilo, fennel at 3.50 euros, artichokes at € 1.50 each. Oranges and clementines cost around 3 euros per kilo, as do the pere that I am there type of fruit most affected by price increases (+ 32.3% nationally compared to February 2020). Still unapproachable strawberries at 7.50 euros per kilo.
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“I price increases they invested all the products – explains the owner of a fruit and vegetable counter – but in particular those arriving from Sicily and the south because for a week there was in fact a road transport block due to the too high cost of gasoline. We speak especially of citrus fruits, tomatoes and strawberries, with increases of around 30%“. Some problems are also recorded on the goods arriving from Sardinia.
What is better to buy? “Artichokes And Potatoes, which are still at a good price or at least with moderate price increases “. Not too expensive in general vegetables such as cabbages e broccoli. As for fruit, another seller explains, “le my they are all convenient “. Fortunately, the expectations for spring and summer are good “why there were no major frosts and the flowers have not been ruined ”. But obviously everything must be considered net of the repercussions generated by transport costs.
Vegetables are at the top of the price increase podium, but it is the whole basket that costs more. Again citing the findings of the Municipality of Genoa, compared to a year ago they have increased especially fish (7.7%), bread and cereals (5.4%)but also oils and fats (3.7%), meats (2.7%), milk, cheeses and eggs (2.4%), for an overall 5.7% under food products. Also in this case, fuel costs (the diesel fuel now represents a real emergency for fishermen) and raw materials (the price of farina in some cases it has doubled).
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“The advice is to buy products from our seas, such as anchovies, which are not given away but have not registered major increases. On the other hand, fish that comes from outside is more expensive on average by 30% ”, they still explain to us among the Eastern shoals. Even in the butcher’s shop there is no joking: “Chicken, turkey and pork doubled. Many farms have stopped because they could not afford the costs of heating. We recommend focusing on meat bovine which has maintained fairly good prices “. Cured meats and cheeses do not register particular increases “but the problem is that goods often arrive several days late“, Says a saleswoman.
Once again, in short, I am there energy crisis and consequently that of transport to have a greater impact on citizens’ portfolios. The Genoese data certify a heavy figure compared to February 2021 + 77.2% on electricity, + 60.3% on gas, + 30.3% on heating oil. Overall, on the entire range of goods and services, the increase recorded on an annual basis is 6.5%, while the increase on a monthly basis is 0.8%.
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The resulting reduction in purchasing power leads to another phenomenon: “We had one significant decrease in customers – tell various operators in via XX Settembre -. The market has usually always been full on Fridays, now it appears almost empty ”. The reason? “More and more supermarkets are opening and people go to shop there fresh products because it finds better prices, even if this comes at the expense of quality. We never really recovered after Covid and moving forward is more and more difficult “.
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