The Trade Union Consumer Basket (SPK) for the first quarter of 2025 (January, February, and March) amounts to €2,000, marking a cost increase of 1.52%, or €30, compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (USSCG).
As stated by USSCG, the latest research conducted by the Center for Education, Information, and Trade Union Research—operating within the USSCG—indicates that two average salaries are necessary to cover the trade union consumer basket, which represents the minimum standard of living for a four-member household in Montenegro.
Changes in two cost categories
The SPK is calculated based on ten cost categories, with changes recorded in two of them during the first quarter of 2025.
“The cost of food products increased by €20 (3.36%) compared to the previous quarter when it stood at €595. This category continues to fluctuate due to variations in the prices of essential goods in recent months, as well as temporary government measures aimed at limiting or mitigating these fluctuations. Meanwhile, housing and utility costs rose by €10 (4.17%) compared to Q4 2024, when they amounted to €240 per month,” the USSCG stated.
These changes, they added, result from increased electricity consumption during the heating season and rising water supply service costs.
Annual comparison shows 5.26% increase
“When comparing the SPK for this quarter with the first quarter of 2024, we observe an increase of €100 (or 5.26%) over a one-year period. Below, you can find a detailed breakdown of all cost categories for the given period,” the statement concluded.
