According to data from the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), a sharp surge in prices for funeral services has been recorded in Chișinău. In May of this year, tariffs in this sector rose by 45.93% compared to the previous period. This led to an average increase of 13.67% for this type of service nationwide.
As indicated in the regulator’s report, the price increase for funeral services falls under the category of regulated tariffs. This group also includes gas, electricity, heating, transport, and waste collection. As a result, even basic inflation statistics show noticeable pressure on household budgets: in May, annual inflation in Moldova remained at 6.8%.
“The onset of a new shock related to energy and oil prices caught us within the inflation target corridor, with a base interest rate of 5%. Unfortunately, we see that in March and April, inflation is accelerating under the influence of this external pressure — factors that we can hardly control. As a result, inflation in April reached 6.7%, which also led to an increase in the base interest rate. Currently, after the latest monetary policy decision, this base rate in the economy stands at 6.5%. The latest estimates show that the average inflation rate in 2026 could be slightly above 8%, specifically 8.1%, which is a significant increase compared to the initial forecast made before the conflict in Iran — about 4.7%,” explained NBM Governor Anca Dragu, attributing the price rise to external factors, particularly high energy prices.
It is notable that the rise of some regulated tariffs coexists with a decrease in others. The same report mentions a 22.22% reduction in hot water prices. However, public transport in Chișinău has already gone up from 6 to 7 lei per ride. The NBM’s long-term forecast warns of further increases in regulated prices. According to the reports, the peak of inflationary pressure is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, when the annual growth of tariffs could reach 15.8%.
Member of Parliament Alexandr Stoianoglo noted that average inflation figures differ from the real situation on store shelves, highlighting sharp increases in egg and vegetable prices.
“But behind this irony lies a very expensive reality. The authorities report inflation stabilization at 6.8% in April 2026, but at the checkout, the news is different: eggs +41%, vegetables +24%, fruits — already a luxury,” noted Alexandr Stoianoglo.
Meanwhile, the leader of the “Chance” party, Alexei Lungu, warned that the consequences of the energy crisis would lead to higher prices for socially important products such as bread and milk.
“Everything that is happening today with the energy crisis, especially in the Republic of Moldova, we will feel in a month, or even sooner. Because the next thing that will happen is the rise in prices of social products: milk, bread. This is because it depends on both energy resources and transportation,” stated the leader of the “Chance” party.
