Source: Zerno On-Line (Russia)
The Smart Energy Association, however, noted that these figures are not the most likely.
Romania bread price surge concerns are growing rapidly. Consequently, traders and consumers are watching the situation closely. Bread prices in Romania could rise by more than 35% in a negative scenario. Furthermore, this increase stems from rising energy prices amid the US and Israeli operation in Iran. The Romanian Smart Energy Association (Asociația Energia Inteligentă, AEI) reported these findings.
“Since the beginning of the year, the price of diesel fuel has increased by 30%, and given that it accounts for 11% of the cost of bread, the price of bread in 2026 will increase by 3.3%, provided that this crisis lasts at least five months,” Antena 3 quoted the association as saying.
Romania Bread Price Surge: Realistic Forecasts
However, the AEI noted that these figures are not the most likely. The actual price increase could range from 15.8% to 24.7%. Additionally, in a worst-case scenario, sellers might take advantage of the situation. Therefore, if they decide to pass on the costs to buyers, the price will rise by 26.7%-35.64%.
Iran Conflict and Global Energy Crisis
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were hit. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, the elite unit of the Iranian Armed Forces) announced a large-scale retaliatory operation. Moreover, they attacked Israel. US targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were also hit.
On March 11, a spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces’ Central Command, Khatam al-Anbiya, stated that Iran would not allow any oil cargo related to the United States and its allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, this blockade affects approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil exports.