Romanian Consumer Confidence Drops as Retail Sales Decline
Romanian consumers face declining financial confidence and purchasing power due to inflation and tax increases, leading to a 5.7% drop in retail turnover.
Financial confidence among Romanian consumers has declined, with only 26% of respondents reporting a comfortable financial position. This trend diverges from global markets and other Central and Eastern European nations, where financial security has generally improved. According to a survey by PwC Romania, 10.8% of households now struggle to pay monthly bills, marking an increase from 2025 levels.
The economic downturn is driven by tax increases and high inflation that have outpaced income growth. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography shows that inflation-adjusted average net salaries fell by 6.3% as of June 2026. This loss of purchasing power contributed to a 5.7% decrease in retail turnover during the first seven months of the year.
Despite these pressures, consumers continue to prioritize health by intending to increase their intake of fresh produce while reducing alcohol and processed food consumption. However, they are becoming increasingly price-sensitive and have expressed growing concern over the cost of medical services.
