Belgium (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In August, Belgian inflation was 2.5-2.9%, with olive oil up 27% and baby wipes down 14%. Test Achats warns against raising taxes on essential foods.
Test Achats checks how prices change by keeping an eye on over 3,000 products in seven different supermarkets in Belgium. Albert Heijn, Carrefour, Colruyt, Cora, Delhaize, Aldi and Lidl. In August, the inflation rate was 2.5%, staying the same as July at 2.49% but slightly up from 2.31% in June. In August, the inflation rate was 2.86% according to the Belgian statistics office Statbel, which is a drop from 3.64% in July.
What are recent trends in food prices?
In August, olive oil prices went up by 27% and chocolate fondants by 22% just like last month. Orange juice prices also rose by 23% compared to last year because of the poor orange harvests. During August, the prices of baby wipes decreased by 14%, while both carrots and bananas saw an 8% drop in their prices. Soft drinks prices went up by 7% and the cost of fruits and vegetables increased by 4%.Paper products like paper towels, tissues and toilet paper, along with other food films like tin foil and cling film, decreased by 3% in price. Cleaning products also saw a decrease of 1%.
Even though food prices are stabilizing, Test Achats warned about possible taxes that could raise the prices of essential foods. Even though talks for a national government are currently stuck, Test Achats emphasized the significance of affordable healthy food for everyone and their stance against raising VAT on essential food items, as stated by the organization. The Test Achats basket is now 27% pricier compared to January 2022, when inflation initially increased by about 2%.Ketchup is now 85% pricier than in January 2022, olive oil costs 66% more, potato prices are up by 53%, and grey shrimps are 42% more expensive.
