Albania recorded its highest-ever level of coffee imports in June, with around 1,600 tonnes brought into the country in a single month. Compared with a year earlier, the volume nearly doubled, while spending on these imports increased by around 55%.

According to the data, 1.6 million kilograms of coffee were imported in June, equivalent to around 1,605 tonnes, with a total bill of 920.4 million lek. Both the volume and value represent the highest levels recorded in the monthly data series, which began in 2005.

Compared with June 2025, when imports stood at around 809,000 kilograms, the increase in volume reached 98.4%. Meanwhile, the value of imports rose by 54.9%, from 594 million lek to 920.4 million lek.

June’s figures also surpassed the previous monthly record by a considerable margin. The previous peak had been recorded in October 2025, when around 1.33 million kilograms were imported. The new level is approximately 270,000 kilograms, or 20.3%, higher. The bill of 863.4 million lek recorded in October 2025 was also exceeded by around 6.6%.

However, the increase in value did not keep pace with the growth in volume. In June, the average import value per kilogram fell to 573.3 lek, from 733.9 lek a year earlier, marking a decline of around 21.9%. As a result, although the volume of imported coffee nearly doubled, the total bill increased by around 55%.

The upward trend is also reflected in the six-month results. From January to June 2026, Albania imported around 5.81 million kilograms of coffee, or 14.2% more than in the same period a year earlier. The value of imports reached 3.77 billion lek, up 7.3% year on year.

Italy topped the list of partners for coffee imports in June, with 368.3 million lek, representing around 40% of the total. It was followed by India with 230 million lek, Brazil with 136.3 million lek and Vietnam with 102.6 million lek. Together, these four countries accounted for around 91% of the total value of coffee imports for the month.

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The prices of the most important basic consumer products—coffee, vegetables, and dairy—rose much more than the overall average price in June 2026.

Lemons, ground coffee, liquefied gas, and wine recorded the strongest increases compared to a year ago, while canned fish, sugar, and beer were sold cheaper than a year earlier, according to data from the Institute of Statistics on average consumer prices for key basket items.

Of the 45 items analyzed, 28 recorded price increases, while 16 recorded price decreases.

Lemons rose 23.5%, coffee 14.6%

The highest annual increase was recorded by the price of lemons. A kilogram of lemons cost an average of 253.6 lek in June 2026, up from 205.4 lek in the same month last year. The price rose by 48.2 lek per kilogram, or 23.5%. Ground coffee was another product with a significant increase. The price for 100 grams reached 169.2 lek, from 147.6 lek a year earlier, a 14.6% increase. Liquefied gas rose 12.4%, as a result of international market changes due to the war in Iran. The average price per liter was 64.4 lek last month.

Wine rose by 11.2%. A 0.75-liter bottle cost an average of 756.9 lek, up from 680.8 lek in June last year, or 76.1 lek more.

Above-average increases for fish, cucumbers, peppers, and yogurt

INSTAT data show that seasonal produce prices rose above the 3.2% average inflation in June 2026. The price of cucumbers increased by 9.9%, reaching 97.6 lek per kilogram. Peppers rose by 8%, reaching 137 lek per kilogram, from 126.8 lek a year earlier.

Fresh fish cost an average of 923.1 lek per kilogram, up from 851.8 lek in June 2025, an 8.4% increase.

The price of natural yogurt rose by 6.9%, reaching 192.5 lek per kilogram in June 2026, while eggs increased by 5.2%. Olive oil was sold on average at 839.2 lek per liter, from 798.9 lek a year earlier, marking an increase of 40.3 lek or 5%. Olives rose by 4.5%, apples by 4%, cottage cheese by 3.8%, and pork by 3.6%.

Meat continues to rise

In the meat group, the highest increase was recorded for pork, the price of which reached 687.1 lek per kilogram, from 663.4 lek in June 2025, or 3.6%. Chicken meat rose by 2.1%, while lamb, ram, and kid meat cost on average 2% more than a year earlier in June. At the same rate of 2%, ham also rose, while frankfurters increased by 1.9% and salami by 0.8%. The price of beef remained unchanged at 1,235.8 lek per kilogram.

Canned fish and sugar see the steepest decline

The largest price drop was recorded by canned fish. The average price for 100 grams fell to 164.7 lek, a 19.6% decrease from June 2025. Sugar became cheaper by 12.9%. A kilogram cost an average of 90.6 lek, down from 104 lek in June 2025. Beer recorded an 8.9% decrease, with the average price for half a liter dropping to 158.6 lek. Butter became cheaper by 3.8%. The price of rice fell by 3.5%, while sunflower oil decreased by 2.5%. Pasta and carbonated soft drinks also saw declines of 1.8% each, fresh milk by 1.3%, potatoes by 1.2%, and oranges by 1.1%. White cheese became cheaper by 0.7%, yellow cheese by 0.6%, and beans by 0.5%.

Eurodiesel rises, gasoline remains stable

In the fuel group, eurodiesel recorded a price increase, while gasoline remained almost at the same level as a year earlier. The average price of eurodiesel rose from 173.1 lek to 180.1 lek per liter, or by 7 lek and 4%. Gasoline cost an average of 172.7 lek per liter, from 172.9 lek in June 2025, a negligible decrease of 0.1%. Prices in this group were affected by the war in Iran, where due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, oil supply from the Middle East to global markets was hindered, impacting price increases./Monitor

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