There was a 1.59% increase in supermarket product prices in March 2025 in relation to March 2024, according to a survey released by the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods Research (IELKA) on Thursday. Also, over a rolling 12-month period (April 2024-March 2025), supermarket product prices recorded a decrease of 0.27%, while in the first quarter of 2025 there was an increase of 0.76%. Prices in March 2025 relative to the preceding month, February 2025, decreased by 0.19%. The upward trend recorded in March 2025 compared to March in the previous year, despite the decrease in the relevant index, was due to the low comparison base of the previous year, according to IELKA.
The largest price decreases in the 12-month period were recorded in the categories: Detergents and cleaning supplies (-5.66%), pet food and supplies (-3.65%), grocery foods (-2.58%), stationery, cosmetics and personal hygiene products (-1.99%), ready-made meals (-0.31%). According to IELKA, the decreases recorded are a result of the normalisation of the market after the pandemic and the reduction in producer prices for certain products.
The largest increases in the 12-month period were recorded in the categories: Biscuits, chocolates, confectionery (+12.20%), appetisers, savoury and other served items (+6.96%), fresh fish and seafood (+5.99%), breakfast items and beverages (+5.77%), fresh meats (+5.67%).
According to IELKA, the reasons for the trend of restrained product prices increases in supermarkets are:
- Declining inflation. 
- The course of raw material prices in previous months in international markets and the normalisation of the market. 
- Government legislative actions. 
- Offers and discounts. 
- High inventory turnover. 
- Effect of private label products.