SARAJEVO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are facing mounting pressure from rising living costs, with inflation and price increases significantly burdening household budgets, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to N1 TV, the trade union consumer basket, which refers to the monthly cost of basic needs for a standard family, has risen to nearly 3,400 convertible marks (about 2,014 U.S. dollars), compared with around 1,800 marks (1,066 dollars) in 2016.
Following the Middle East conflicts, prices of basic food items have surged sharply. Minced meat price increased from 6.50 marks (3.85 dollars) per kg in 2016 to 21.45 marks (12.71 dollars) today, while butter cost more than doubled to about 5.80 marks (3.44 dollars) per 200 grams. Such hikes also occurred in sunflower oil and bread prices.
BiH economist Damir Miljevic told N1 TV that global energy disruptions linked to Middle East tensions have further fueled inflationary pressures in BiH, particularly through rising fuel and transport costs.
He warned that authorities have limited short-term options, suggesting price controls and temporary tax reductions as possible measures, while urging citizens to reduce consumption and improve energy efficiency.
