Rising prices in Romania are forcing more and more residents of the country to cross the border with Bulgaria to shop cheaper, reports Antena3 TV in its report on the topic, BTA reported.
“It is no wonder that the "Bridge of Friendship" between Giurgiu and Ruse is turning into a "Bridge of the Economy": fuel is cheaper in the neighbors, but many food products also cost less“, the media outlet notes. It estimates that in Romania the consumer basket of essential products costs 260 lei (104 leva), and in Bulgaria – 225 lei (90 lv).
“Because of this difference, it is worth going from Bucharest to Ruse only if you are going to shop for the whole month. Food, cosmetics, detergents. Otherwise it is not justified. It is logical for the people of Gjiru, because they only have to cross one bridge. If a person comes from Bucharest, they have to pay for gasoline, a vignette, and they also lose time“, commented economist Adrian Negrescu.
According to him, there are currently no major increases in Romania, prices have risen by a maximum of one lei (40 cents).
“The big price increase will come in September-October, when electricity will also jump a lot. Inflation in Romania will reach 8-9 percent, or three times more than in the EU. In Bulgaria, it is 2.5 percent. Romania will become a champion in price increases“, Adrian Negrescu also notes.
According to him, Romanians will start relying on promotions and seasonal discounts en masse. The expert does not rule out a recession as a scenario.
The first package of budgetary and fiscal measures of the government of Ilie Bologian entered into force on August 1 and includes an increase in VAT from 19 to 21 percent, an increase in excise duties on fuel, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes by 10 percent and the introduction of health contributions for pensions above 3,000 lei (1,160 leva). They aim to control the excessive budget deficit, which last year reached 9.3 percent of GDP. The measures have already sparked a wave of protests in a number of sectors in Romania.