Márton Nagy: high food inflation is unacceptable, the government is ready to take action with all means to protect families

According to the statement, the government is committed to keeping inflation low and is doing everything it can to ensure that the increase at the beginning of the year does not become permanent. The higher level in January is a temporary phenomenon caused by base effects, the revaluation of services at the beginning of the year and the increase in the price of certain basic foodstuffs, such as milk and eggs.

In order to protect families and pensioners, the government is continuously monitoring inflation developments and, if necessary, will intervene immediately with all available means to keep food prices under control.

Keeping inflation low is essential for the growth of real wages to continue, ensuring the strengthening of households’ purchasing power.

According to the Central Statistical Office, in line with preliminary government signals and market expectations, the annual inflation rate reached 5.5 percent in January 2025, and showed a 1.5 percent increase on a monthly basis. Based on the January data, food inflation was 6.0% on an annual basis, and the price of household energy increased by 0.2 percent, the statement recalled.

Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy highlighted the data: “high food inflation is unacceptable, especially in the case of basic foodstuffs, such as milk and eggs.” The January price increase of milk, dairy products and eggs is particularly burdensome for the poor and the middle class, as they represent about 13 percent of the food basket, which accounts for nearly one-third of the total consumer basket.