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Excerpt
Key findings
In October, local markets continued to function reliably, effectively supplying basic needs across most of the country. However, the shift in the frontline in the East has disrupted the market functionality in this area. Customer KIs in government-controlled areas of Donetska Oblast reported difficulty accessing shops, primarily due to active fighting or shelling, fear of being targeted, movement restrictions, damaged infrastructure, and limited transportation options. Access to goods was further limited due to their unavailability or shortages. The situation was found to be the particularly severe in Marinska hromada, where markets had completely ceased to function, and customer KIs reported a complete lack of access to food, hygiene items, warm clothes, medication, and cash.
Inflationary pressures continued to intensify, with the annual inflation rate reaching 9.7%. Rising electricity and vegetable prices contributed the most, with increases of +63.6% and + 62.1%, respectively. The median cost of the JMMI food basket was 13% higher than in October of the previous year, with the highest annual price increases observed in cabbage (+193%), potatoes (+160%), and carrots (+102%).
JMMI analysis indicates that increased prices for goods were reported as a primary financial barrier for 65% of customer KIs. Affordability remained a critical nationwide issue, particularly impacting the elderly population, as 91% of customer KIs aged 60 yeas and above reported being unable to afford necessary items available in stores. This can indicate a heightened vulnerability among elderly individuals regarding their ability to meet basic needs.