GENEVA: Prices of essential food items in Austria have surged by up to 90% since 2021, according to a report released Thursday by the Arbeitskammer, the legal body representing employees in the country. Data from the Arbeitskammer price monitor revealed significant increases, with staples like penne pasta seeing a 90% rise in cost, flour jumping 88%, and sunflower oil climbing 64%. The price of pureed tomatoes increased by 87%. The analysis tracked price trends since September 2021. Austria experienced inflation rates of 8.55% in 2022 and 7.80% in 2023, according to Statistics Austria. Although inflation slowed to 2.4% in August 2024, food prices remain significantly higher than pre-2021 levels. "Since September 2021, there have been almost only price increases," the Chamber of Labor noted in its press release, highlighting that the burden on consumers continues despite the easing of inflation. Gabriele Zgubic, head of Consumer Policy at the Chamber of Labor, stressed the importance of keeping food afford able. "Prices are still high; they are just no longer rising so steeply," she told public broadcaster ORF. "The next federal government must do everything it can to ensure that food remains affordable." The Arbeitskammer, which represents the interests of employees, continues to push for action as Austrians struggle with the ongoing impact of high food prices. Source: Anadolu Agency