North Macedonia introduces new consumer basket methodology

The Ministry of Economy and Labor in North Macedonia has introduced a new methodology to monitor the cost of living by calculating an average consumer basket. Minister Besar Durmishi presented the approach, stating that the goal is to provide a real, objective, and transparent view of household expenditures based on actual realized consumption and official statistical data rather than desired needs.

The consumer basket covers 11 categories, including food and beverages, housing, transport, healthcare, education, clothing, and communications. The calculation utilizes data from the State Statistical Office, prices from eight cities, 23 fruit and vegetable markets, and pricing from major retail chains.

For August 2026, the Ministry calculated the average consumer basket at 58,475 denars, a slight increase of 29 denars from July. Food and beverage costs decreased by 255 denars during the same period. Compared to January 2026, the basket has increased by approximately 3.7 percent (2,095 denars).

Minister Durmishi addressed the discrepancy between the government's figure and the union's minimum basket, which was reported at 68,675 denars. He explained that the two figures stem from different methodologies: the union's calculation is based on estimated desired living costs—including items like alcohol, cigarettes, and rent—while the government's method relies on official data of actual realized consumption.