According to Eurostat, the PLI (Price Level Index) in Greece was 86% of the EU. However, in food, telecommunications, electrical and electronic appliances, we are up to 44% more expensive.
New Eurostat data on price levels and consumer spending confirm that Greece is not doing well.
In addition to the very high prices of goods that are essential for our daily lives (see food), Eurostat confirms that we have some of the most expensive telecommunications services (internet, mobile telephony, digital television, etc.) in the entire EU.
The relevant price level index stood at 144,1 last year, meaning prices were 44,1% higher than the EU average.
This is the third highest indicator in the EU, after Belgium (168,6%) and Luxembourg (154,5%). The gap with the EU average remains, despite price reductions in providers' packages, following repeated protests and interventions by consumer organizations.
Greeks also pay more than Europe for consumer electronics – such as mobile phones, computers, etc. – with their prices being 12,7% more expensive than the EU (index 112), with the most expensive country for these items being Finland (115,4%).
In addition to electronic devices, prices in Greece were also higher for household appliances, by 2%, while prices for furniture were marginally higher, by 0,2%.
The highest price levels for household consumption were recorded in Denmark (143% of the EU average), Ireland (138%) and Luxembourg (133%). Meanwhile, the lowest levels were recorded in Bulgaria (60%), Romania (64%) and Poland (72%).
What is the Eurostat Price Level Index?
The Price Level Index (PLI) should not be confused with inflation (Consumer Price Index). According to Eurostat, the Price Level Index for each country is the ratio of Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) to exchange rates.
If the price level index is higher than 100, the country in question is relatively expensive compared to the EU average. If it is lower than 100, the country is relatively cheap compared to the EU average.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
