Annual inflation in Montenegro reached 4.5% in July, the highest level since May 2024, according to data from the Statistical Office (Monstat). This is a jump from the June rate of 4.2%, and price increases were recorded in most key sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest pressure on household budgets comes from the rising cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages, whose prices have increased by 5.2% year-over-year. The cost of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose by 6.9%, while recreation and culture jumped by as much as 8.2%. Prices for miscellaneous goods and services increased by 5.3%, and in all these categories, the growth was faster than in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a drop in prices was recorded in the transportation sector, as well as in clothing and footwear. The price increase for alcoholic beverages and tobacco remained at 5.81%, while education (+0.91%), healthcare, communications, and hospitality recorded a slower pace of price growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a monthly basis, consumer prices in July rose by 0.61%, an acceleration from 0.4% in the previous month. Experts warn that a continuation of this trend could further strain households, especially ahead of the start of the school year and rising seasonal costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monstat notes that inflation trends in the coming months depend on international energy markets, food prices, and domestic consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n