Removal of Price Caps: Impact on Pensioners with Low Incomes

A new legislative amendment adopted by Parliament removes processors from the commercial mark-up cap scheme on staple foods — a measure that will have a significant impact on the purchasing power of pensioners and elderly people on low incomes.

Economic experts are warning that this decision will allow arbitrary price increases on shop shelves, largely undermining the social protection effects that the previous capping mechanism provided.

For senior citizens in Romania, who typically live on modest pensions and have limited food budgets, this amendment represents a direct blow to their standard of living. Staple foods account for a substantial proportion of elderly people's monthly expenditure.

The measure comes at a time when inflation and the general rise in food prices have already severely affected pensioners' ability to maintain a balanced and adequate diet.

Organisations representing the interests of senior citizens and social protection specialists believe that this legislative amendment will deepen social inequalities and place additional pressure on the most vulnerable elderly people.