Price shock in Vienna: Food costs explode by up to 72%!

Price shock in Vienna: Food costs explode by up to 72%!

Vienna, Österreich - In March 2025, the Chamber of Labor (AK) Vienna recorded a significant increase in prices for cheap life and cleaning products. According to the current price monitor, the purchase value of a basket with 40 food and cleaning items has risen to almost 81 euros, compared to 73.27 euros in March 2024. This corresponds to an average inflation of 10 percent per year. The extreme price increases in some specific products are particularly striking.

For example, the price of bean coffee has increased by 72 percent, while orange juice with 45 percent and whole milk chocolate with 33 percent have become significantly more expensive. Tea butter and table apples have also increased drastically in the price, around 36 and 19 percent. On the other hand, 12 out of 40 products, including potatoes, have become cheaper, which shows a certain price transparency within the product range.

The role of politics

In order to better protect consumers, the AK calls for the creation of a price transparency database and an independent anti-control commission to carry out regular evaluations and controls of the price data. In addition, a price law should serve as a quick intervention instrument for extreme price increases. The minister would therefore have to be able to check whether price increases for vital goods are justified, and if necessary.

market analysis and price transparency

To clarify the price transparency, Agrarmarkt Austria has published new data that provide an insight into the purchase prices of the food retail trade (Leh). This monthly report published a connection between producer and consumer side and offers indications of the price changes. Companies with more than 100 branches in Austria are obliged to report their purchase prices for certain products to Agrarmarkt Austria, which should increase transparency in the market.

The federal competition authority has confirmed the so-called “Austria-Litt” in branded products, which triggers additional discussions about the competitive conditions and price transparency. The AK is already in exchange with the EU Commission to treat this topic at European level.

In view of the rising prices that particularly burden people with low incomes, the AK consumer: Inner protector Gabriele Zgubic concern. In the case of the persistently high cost of living, the need for effective cost control is becoming increasingly urgent.

For detailed information on the price trends and the current developments, we refer to the AK href = "https://wien.werkerskammer.at/interessenstivetung/wirtschaft/steuerung-bebei-zussmittel.html"> Analysis of the inflation and the market information reports austria .