The United Arab Emirates is among the countries most affected by the war in the Middle East, punished by the suspension of flights, tourism and oil and gas trade. However, the prices of fruits and vegetables in the desert country, with almost zero percent agriculture, are lower than in Albania.
Vox News monitored prices in the fruit and vegetable markets in Tirana these days and the data obtained shows a 20 to 70 percent increase in prices compared to the same period a year ago.
In Tirana, a kilogram of tomatoes is currently sold for between 280 and 340 lekë, depending on its variety and trading area, while in the United Arab Emirates, a kilogram of tomatoes is currently sold for 180 lekë, or about 33 percent cheaper than in our country.
Data that Vox News obtained from wholesale prices in the Lushnja and Elbasan markets, which also account for the bulk of supply to points of sale in Tirana, show that a kilogram of tomatoes is being sold for 120 to 160 lek by farmers, while it reaches consumers in the capital at an average price of 300 lek, or twice as much as the farmer pays.