Food prices in Moldova are expected to increase in the coming months, with Agriculture Minister Ludmila Catlabuga warning of further inflation linked to fuel costs and international developments.
Speaking on television, Catlabuga said food prices could rise by 3–6%, with some products increasing by as much as 10%.
Moldova food prices rise amid fuel pressures
“There will be a trend similar to what we have already seen: prices may increase by up to 10%, depending on the product… I understand that this is a global situation, but the government is thinking about farmers, and we will do everything possible to overcome this crisis,” Catlabuga said.
She pointed to rising diesel prices as a key driver, noting that fuel costs depend on global oil prices, logistics, transport and taxation.
According to the minister, the situation remains “critical,” not only for Moldova but for many countries affected by volatility in energy markets.
Oil market trends raise questions
At the same time, recent developments in global oil markets suggest a more complex picture.
On April 8, the United States and Iran announced a temporary two-week ceasefire, after which Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Markets reacted immediately, with oil prices declining.
West Texas Intermediate fell sharply, while Brent crude dropped by around 16%, settling just above $92 per barrel. By mid-April, Brent prices remained below earlier peaks, continuing a downward trend.
Despite this, fuel prices in Moldova did not follow the same trajectory.
Domestic fuel prices continue to climb
According to the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), on April 9, one day after the ceasefire announcement, diesel prices in Moldova rose by 0.79 lei per litre, reaching 34.98 lei. Petrol prices also increased.
ANRE attributed the rise to a lag in pricing calculations, which are based on international market data from the previous seven days. Officials also pointed to the timing of market closures and public holidays in Europe.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated at the time that any price reductions would become visible after one to two weeks, once fuel stocks purchased at higher prices were depleted.
Prices remain elevated despite expectations
However, by April 21, the expected downward adjustment remained limited.
While there were reports of a slight decrease in diesel prices on April 10, broader trends show continued increases. According to monitoring data from Peco.md, average petrol prices rose by 4.2% over the past month, while diesel increased by 8.5%.
Outlook for consumers
The divergence between global oil price movements and domestic fuel costs continues to raise questions among consumers and businesses.
With fuel prices feeding directly into production and transport costs, the expected rise in food prices adds further pressure on households already facing broader economic challenges.
