FPB analyzed the relationship between price growth and wages

September 27, MINSK . Experts from the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus analyzed the relationship between rising prices and wages during the regular monitoring of the cost and availability of consumer goods. BELTA was informed about this by the FPB press service.

The Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus conducts a monthly analysis of prices in the retail trade network. The latest study took place on September 20-21, 2023 in 218 stores located in 109 territorial units. The specialists visited both chain supermarkets and convenience stores. The results of the analysis showed that the general level of consumer prices in August compared to July 2023 decreased by 0.3%. At the same time, an increase in workers' wages was recorded.

In particular, in September of this year, the average cost of a fruit and vegetable set, which includes 1 kg of cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beets, onions and apples, in the republic was Br8.17. Compared to August, it decreased by 26%. The most affordable fruit and vegetable set turned out to be in the Brest region - Br7.75. And the most expensive are in the Mogilev region (Br8.29) and Minsk (Br8.71). That is, now is the time to take advantage of the moment and buy vegetables and fruits for future use , especially since this can be done at numerous fairs.

As for other products, certain fluctuations are noticeable. Thus, in September, compared to August, average prices for sausages, fish (live, frozen), salted herring and confectionery increased slightly. At the same time, if we compare with the beginning of the year (data for September versus January), average prices for the same products have decreased.

Also, compared to the beginning of the year, the price of vegetable oil has noticeably decreased - by almost 20%, instant coffee - by 7%, hard and semi-hard cheeses - by 4%. At the same time, over the past month, prices for pasta, pearl barley, rice, margarine, butter and vegetable oil, wheat FLOUR, SUGAR , SALT , MILK and cottage cheese have not changed. It is worth noting that the decrease in the average price level for a significant group of food products occurs against the backdrop of a noticeable increase in wages. Thus, the nominal accrued average salary in January - August amounted to Br1834.4, and for August - Br1962.4.

Real wages, which are calculated adjusted for inflation, have increased accordingly. Thus, in January - August, the growth rate of real wages was 109.3% compared to the same period last year. Real wages in August 2023 were 15.1% higher than real wages in August last year.

“Summarizing the results of trade union monitoring, we see that prices are under control,” said Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Elena Mankevich. “The instructions of the HEAD of state, reflected in Resolution No. 713, keep the market from sharp fluctuations. Minor deflation, which is observed in the product group ", - a positive trend. At the same time, we see an increase in real wages and the fact that inflation is even lower than forecast indicators."