The average market basket of a family of four in Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2022 was 16% more expensive than in March 2021, the SSSBiH trade union federation said on Tuesday, noting that the basket costs close to two and a half average wages.

In March 2022 the market basket cost 2,448 convertible marks (close to €1,255), or 342 marks more than a year ago.

Prices of basic foodstuffs and fuel have increased drastically since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The union said the average wage paid in the BiH Federation entity was taken as the basis to calculate the price of the market basket, that is, the minimum living costs of a family of four, with two adults and two children.

Food accounts for 51% of living costs, followed by the cost of accommodation and utilities, clothing and footwear, personal hygiene products and health care, education, culture and transportation.

The average wage in the Federation entity is around 1,045 convertible marks.