Consumers in Greece will have to spend significantly more this year for traditional Lenten foods, with sharp price increases reported for seafood and halva.
This year, Greek consumers are facing steep prices for traditional Lenten foods, necessitating a deeper dig into their pockets. According to market professionals in the Kapani market of Thessaloniki, prices for seafood have surged dramatically compared to last year. The price for octopus has increased from €18 per kilo last year to €24 this year, while squid has risen from €17 to €22. Additionally, shrimp prices have gone up from €12 to €14 per kilo, and cuttlefish has seen a rise of €1.8, now priced at €7.8 per kilo compared to €6 last year.
The price spike is not confined to seafood, as traditional Lenten products like halva have also become more expensive, selling for €12 per kilo compared to €9 last year. Similarly, olives now range from €7.4 to €8 per kilo and tarama has increased from €19 to €21 per kilo. Market professionals attribute these price hikes to ongoing pressures in the supply chain, likely exacerbated by inflation and increasing demand for these seasonal items.
These rising costs could have significant implications for consumers who traditionally partake in Lenten meals, and they may lead some to seek more affordable alternatives or forgo certain foods altogether. The overall increase in food prices reflects broader economic challenges facing Greece and could influence consumer spending patterns, particularly as the country continues to navigate rising inflation rates.
