Greek Consumer Group Calls for Market Boycott Over Price Hikes

In response to the constantly increasing prices of basic goods, the General Consumer’s Federation of Greece (ΙΝΚΑ) has called for a nationwide boycott on February 19.

The group is urging citizens to refrain from spending a single euro on that day, avoiding payments to banks, government services, utilities (water, electricity, telephone), fuel stations, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, retail shops, and electronics stores.

“Enough with deception, profiteering, and speculation at the expense of consumers,” INKA said in a statement, emphasizing that Greek salaries can only cover half the month.

For the past few years, Greeks have struggled with continuous price hikes on basic goods, fuel, and energy. Despite government pledges to curb inflation, costs keep climbing while wages remain among the lowest in the European Union.

According to recent findings by the Consumer Goods Retail Research Institute (IELKA), prices in January saw notable increases: fresh meat rose by 3.05%, fresh fish and seafood by 2.87%, and water, soft drinks, and juices by 3.01%. The cost of coffee and chocolate has also surged in recent months.

“Let’s send a loud and clear message: the real power in the market lies with citizens and consumers,” the organization stated.

A similar boycott was organized in Croatia last month, signaling a broader European pushback against inflation.