Attachments
Key findings
In December, local markets continued to function reliably, effectively supplying basic needs nationwide despite increased challenges faced by retailers, including a worsening security situation, power cuts, rising business costs, and accelerating prices. However, in the East and South, namely in Donetska, Kharkivska, Khersonska, and Zaporizka oblasts, customer KIs were more likely to report restricted access to markets due to security concerns. In some frontline hromadas, customers also faced shortages of essential items and fuels, as well as limited access to cash due to the absence or insufficient functioning of bank branches and ATMs. Inflation for consumer goods and services accelerated annually, reaching 12% in December, driven largely by continued increases in food prices. The median cost of the full JMMI basket rose by 15% over the year, with the highest value in December recorded in the North, specifically in Chernihivska oblast. The food component of the JMMI basket experienced the sharpest price increases, rising by 23%. Notably, the most significant annual surges in prices were observed for vegetables, including cabbage (+201%), carrots (+143%), and potatoes (+85%). Nationwide, rising prices have severely impacted access to goods, with 70% of customer KIs citing higher prices as their primary financial barrier. The elderly population was particularly affected, with 90% of customer KIs aged 60 and above reporting that they could not afford essential items available in stores. This issue was most prevalent in the North and East.