Albania reports record credit growth and launches price transparency initiative

Albania is seeing significant shifts in its financial and consumer markets. In the first half of 2026, private sector credit grew by 14.3% year-on-year, reaching approximately 35% of GDP, the highest level in a decade. Mortgage lending also saw a 16.1% increase, with average interest rates for loans in lek remaining at 3.9%. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with commercial bank directors and the Minister of Economy to discuss these trends, urging banks to maintain prudent risk management and lending standards.

Simultaneously, the Albanian government is launching 'Price Watch Albania,' a digital platform designed to increase market transparency. Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Economy Delina Ibrahimaj announced that the publication of prices is expected to begin on October 1. The initiative aims to allow consumers to compare real final prices, including VAT, across different retailers to combat excessive profit margins and promote a more transparent marketplace.