COGNICURRENT

Inflation in Germany decreased to 1.9% in February, despite some food prices continuing to rise significantly.

Consumer experts highlight an inexpensive way to improve home heating efficiency and reduce energy costs amidst ongoing cold weather in the UK.

A recent report by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) highlights significant disparities in service voucher systems across welfare regions, affecting accessibility, costs, and equality for customers.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has reported price manipulation by domestic airlines in Nigeria, particularly during the festive season in December 2025.

Delayed luggage has forced passengers to incur unexpected costs, with an airline offering minimal compensation.

A Latvian man faces unexpected repair bills after returning a rented Volvo, claiming the rental company is sending him mysterious invoices despite previous repair costs he incurred.

The technological advancements in modern cars, while offering luxury and safety, have also led to soaring maintenance costs and complexity that burdens consumers.

German consumers are facing an increasing average price for smartphones, now projected to reach 646 euros this year due to rising production costs, particularly for memory chips.

Energy prices in Germany remain significantly elevated due to the impacts of the ongoing Ukraine war, despite some overall price reductions since 2022.

The article discusses a potential relief for consumers facing high electricity prices due to an increase in wind energy production as weather conditions improve in Finland.

Passengers are outraged after discovering that a plate of idli at Bengaluru Airport costs ₹315, four times the price of the same dish at other locations in the city.

A consumer advocate in Iceland argues that substantial savings can be achieved in the insurance market through necessary reforms based on a three-year review.

In February 2026, several major UK retailers, including Poundland and House of Fraser, have announced store closures due to rising costs and decreasing consumer spending.

The author expresses concern over the increasing costs of subscription services and their impact on consumers.

Consumer prices in Japan increased by 2.0% in January, with a notable decline in gasoline prices and rising costs for food items.

A significant shift in consumer behavior occurred in February as people received their first salaries, leading to decreased spending amid rising costs, according to the head of Terno and Kraj.

American car manufacturers are considering resuming production of sedans due to a growing demand driven by the high costs of SUVs and electric vehicles.

Restaurants in the U.S. are reducing portion sizes in response to rising costs and increased use of anti-obesity medications.

Canada has launched new consumer rebates for electric vehicles to encourage adoption, providing up to $5,000 for fully electric models and $2,500 for plug-in hybrids, while comparing the overall costs of electric and gas vehicles.

Lalo España is urging affected attendees of the 'Enrollados' show to seek help from the consumer protection agency Profeco due to the organizer's failure to refund ticket costs as promised.

Australia is facing a significant increase in private health insurance premiums, raising questions about the value of coverage amid rising living costs.

32 associations in France are urging major retailers to sell certain healthy food products at cost price to alleviate high costs for consumers.

The article discusses the potential issues and hidden costs associated with returning goods purchased from China.

Inflation in the United Kingdom dropped to 3% in January, attributed to lower fuel prices and a decline in various consumer costs.

Eero, dissatisfied with a car purchase, sought to reverse the deal but faced significant legal costs after losing his appeal.

The Trump administration is ramping up its attack on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, claiming it imposes excessive credit costs on Americans.

Retailers in Slovakia report declining consumer spending amid rising costs, with many people opting for discounted products as stores face significant challenges.

The article discusses the factors to consider when deciding on the best type of car insurance, emphasizing the rising costs and the importance of making informed choices.

The article discusses the impact of the recent cold winter on heating needs, energy costs, and consumer choices in Estonia.

A study reveals that 90% of the tariffs imposed by former President Trump were ultimately paid by American businesses and consumers, contradicting Trump's claims that the costs would primarily be borne by foreign producers.

Brand company Marimekko reported a decline in profitability despite revenue stability due to increased costs and cautious consumer behavior.

Economists in Latvia attribute the stability of inflation rates in January to a decrease in fuel prices, which has positively impacted the costs of consumer goods and food.

Research indicates a shift in consumer habits towards neighborhood stores in Greece as households adjust to rising costs.

An independent study reveals that the reinforced operations of Red Eléctrica (REE) following a major blackout incurred costs of up to 1.1 billion euros, impacting consumer electricity bills.

Australian supermarkets are employing confusing per-unit pricing for fruit and vegetables, leading to higher costs for consumers unknowingly.

Prices in Norway rose by 3.6 percent in January compared to the previous year, driven primarily by increases in housing, vehicle, and electricity costs.

Polish consumers are feeling financial strain largely due to escalating living costs, with a significant portion struggling to manage their financial obligations.

The article explores the diminishing differences in costs between mortgage loans and renting in various Polish cities, alongside trends in loan availability and consumer preferences in the real estate market.

A Finnish man, Arto Laitinen, regrets switching from a fixed electricity contract to market electricity, expecting a bill close to a thousand euros due to rising rates.

A shopper shares her experience of buying groceries at Lidl, mentioning two specific food items she chooses not to buy despite generally finding the store budget-friendly.

The article discusses the costs and services for sending surprise breakfasts in Mexico for Valentine's Day, as outlined by the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco).

President Donald Trump signed a measure to increase beef imports from Argentina to address consumer concerns about living costs, formalizing a trade agreement that eliminates numerous tariffs and trade barriers.

The rising costs of food and dining out are affecting Americans as restaurant prices experience a noticeable increase, contributing to 'menu price fatigue'.

In Estonia, the total cost of frequency reserve readiness reached 74 million euros last year, aligning closely with the forecasts of system managers, and the cost was covered exceptionally from excess revenue without directly impacting consumer electricity bills.

Consumer prices in Finland increased by 1.0% in January, with notable impacts from rising education, food, and tobacco service costs, while inflation shows signs of retreating after a higher increase in December.

Automakers support the USMCA trade agreement while warning that the strict origin rules are increasing production costs, which may eventually affect consumers.

A recent warning highlights that individuals renting cars before their vehicles are officially in repair might be responsible for those rental costs, as insurance compensation begins only after the repair process starts.

Consumer expert Martin Lewis warns against frequent use of tumble dryers due to high energy costs.

Doing one easy task after using a tumble dryer can reduce costs and prevent fires, according to consumer experts.

German consumer protection associations are warning about a professionally organized scam where a fake law firm sends letters promising high compensation under pressure of deadlines and requests for payment of alleged costs, advising citizens to not respond or pay and to report the issue if needed.