Inflation “Only” 2.7% While the Union Basket Costs 69,432 Denars: Why the Numbers Diverge and What an Average Wage of 48,499 Means
Annual inflation in September is 2.7%, while the minimum union consumer basket is 69,432 denars, 6.7% higher than a year ago; the two measures are not directly comparable.
The State Statistical Office announced that annual inflation in September is 2.7% (2.6% in August and 2.3% in July), while prices are unchanged month on month. Food is 1.7% more expensive year on year and 0.5% above August, and the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels group is up 3.7% year on year.
At the same time, the Federation of Trade Unions’ minimum consumer basket for September is 69,432 denars, 4,355 denars or 6.7% more than a year ago and 757 denars more than in August. The average net wage in July was 48,499 denars, 7.1% higher than a year ago. The two measures are not directly comparable: the basket is an estimate of costs for a four-member family, while inflation is an average over a representative set of goods and services.
So the gap does not necessarily mean one of the figures is wrong. Families that spend most of their income on food and bills may feel price rises faster than the average, and one average wage does not show differences between households. The figures are therefore best read as two different measures, not as proof that the official numbers are inaccurate.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 16, 2026
