School supply costs strain family budgets in Moldova and Romania

Families in Moldova and Romania are facing increased financial pressure as they prepare for the upcoming school year due to rising costs of supplies and clothing.

In Chișinău, school markets have opened across all sectors, offering items ranging from stationery and backpacks to clothing and footwear. Parents report significant expenses, with some families spending between 10,000 and 20,000 lei to equip multiple children. Some shoppers noted that even basic items like school uniforms can cost around 1,000 lei, and many are forced to purchase items incrementally to manage their budgets.

Similarly, in Romania, economic uncertainty and price increases are altering consumer behavior. Many families are increasingly looking for wholesale options or purchasing supplies in bulk to ensure predictability and avoid last-minute price hikes. This shift toward stockpiling essential items like pens, notebooks, and art materials is a direct response to the cumulative cost of school requirements for households with multiple children.