In Tepelena, food product prices are continuing to rise, becoming increasingly unaffordable for consumers. The increase has affected not only basic food items but also the fruit and vegetable market, with residents describing the prices as too high to cope with.

The economic difficulties are being felt especially by the elderly and families in need in Tepelena, who, apart from state assistance, have no other sources of income to manage the rising market prices.

“It is obviously difficult. Everything is sky-high. How are we supposed to cope with this? With the pension we receive, it’s simply not enough, so it is very hard,” said one citizen.

“It is very difficult. Life has become extremely hard for us. Prices have risen into the stratosphere. What can I do with the 120,000 lek disability pension that I receive?” another man said.

“With the 100,000 lek pension I receive, it is shameful — truly shameful. It is impossible to cope. I go and buy my medicines, and if there is anything left afterward, then I buy food. I eat cabbage, I eat just one meal of bread because I have to buy medicine. Calculate it yourself, I only have 150,000 lek,” said a pensioner.

The rise in prices is negatively affecting the economy of families in Tepelena, creating serious financial difficulties in their daily lives.