# Tetovo cost of living and utility price increases

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tetovo-cost-of-living-and-utility-price-increases
> Updated: 2026-10-30T20:26:30.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Residents in Tetovo have reported growing financial pressure due to rising food prices and discrepancies in cost of living data. While the Ministry of Economy and Labor reported that a family of four required 58,475 denars for monthly expenses in August, the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia claimed the minimum consumer basket exceeded 68,000 denars in August and reached 69,432 denars in September. Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi criticized the union figures, describing them as a “desired basket” used for political purposes.

In response to broader economic pressures, the Tetovo Municipal Council approved new water price regulations. Valon Zekiri, director of the public utility company Shari, stated that prices will increase by approximately 2 denars over the next three years. This decision, which results in a monthly increase of about 40 denars for local households, follows a proposal for a higher average price of 24 denars.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Tetovo implements minimal water price increase

Tetovo has approved a minimal water price increase of approximately 2 denars over three years, maintaining one of the lowest utility rates in North Macedonia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-implements-minimal-water-price-increase

### 2026-10-25: Tetovo citizens face rising costs amid consumer basket dispute

Citizens in Tetovo report difficulty affording basic goods as a dispute grows between the government and unions over the actual cost of the monthly consumer basket.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-citizens-face-rising-costs-amid-consumer-basket-dispute

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Cite as: Tetovo cost of living and utility price increases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tetovo-cost-of-living-and-utility-price-increases