News about inflation

Central banks of the world are preparing for a “stable state of affairs” against the backdrop of worsening volatility in the energy market and are in no hurry to change the cost of borrowing. Many financial analysts come to this conclusion in their publications, considering this position to be fundamentally different from the inflationary crisis of 2022.

The cost of fuel in different countries of the world can differ by more than 170 times. In April 2026, the lowest gasoline prices were recorded in Libya: only $0.09 per gallon, and the highest in Hong Kong, where a gallon costs $15.65.

The National Bank releases into numismatic circulation the commemorative coin “Eleonora Romanescu – 100 years since her birth”, which continues the series “Famous Women”.

Real hourly wages in Europe have fallen by 3% over the last five years. Their growth has been higher in countries outside the euro area and in countries with lower wage levels.

The world’s largest manufacturer, the Malaysian company Karex (which produces Durex, Trojan and other brands), has announced its intention to raise prices by 20-30% or more. Some countries (e.g. Russia) have already seen an increase in retail prices for condoms, including due to logistics costs associated with the Middle East conflict.

The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has set new maximum fuel prices that will be in effect from April 25-27.

From May 1, 2026, the fare in the Bucharest metro will cost 7 Romanian lei instead of the current 5 lei. The 40% increase in price is explained by the rise in electricity prices.

The National Energy Regulatory Agency (NERA) has set new maximum fuel prices that will be in effect tomorrow, April 24.

The National Energy Regulatory Agency (NERA) has set new maximum fuel prices that will be in effect tomorrow, April 22.

France’s restaurant industry is facing a dramatic shift in demand: traditional establishments are closing and the market is shifting towards delivery and low-cost formats.

Moldova plans to increase defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. They are now about 0.58% to 0.65% of gross domestic product, up from 0.3% in 2020.

In the financial markets, the probability of an interest rate hike at the ECB meeting on April 30 is estimated at 20%, but an increase in June has already been factored into prices. However, the European Central Bank has taken a wait-and-see stance.

The Mayor’s Office of Făleşti has announced that it will compensate the increase in the fare for public transport in the city at the expense of the local budget. This will allow residents not to bear in full the new costs requested by the carrier against the background of rising fuel prices.

The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has set new maximum fuel prices that will be effective April15.

The Association of Grain Importers of Israel has warned the country’s Ministry of Finance that the introduction of a 50% duty on feed wheat will block its supply to the Israeli market. In particular, from the Black Sea countries and Eastern Europe in general.

On April 13, central bank governors gathered for traditional spring meetings in Washington to discuss the risks of global inflation and the “Iranian shock”. For now, they are advised to remain vigilant and ready to adjust plans to cut rates due to possible economic shocks.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has triggered a jump in pistachio prices.

Over the last five years, prices in Poland have markedly approached the prices of the EU countries with the most developed level of economy. Five years ago, living in Poland was 45% cheaper than in Germany, but this difference is decreasing year by year. According to Eurostat, in 2025 Poland will continue to catch up with the more expensive EU countries in terms of price level, although the growth rate has slowed down slightly.

Prices for Easter baked goods in Moldova in 2026 increased from 5% to 30%. At the same time, retailers forecast sales of over 3.5 thousand tons of Easter products, Logos Press reports.

The European Commission is preparing to lower its growth forecast for this year because of the conflict in the Middle East.