Consumer Prices in January – What Got More Expensive and What Got Cheaper in Georgia?

According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), inflation in January 2025 was 0.4% compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate reached 2%. However, beyond these general indicators, the prices of specific products changed in different directions. This time, we will take a closer look at detailed prices to see what became more expensive and what became cheaper within a month. Short-term trends are often influenced by seasonal factors, whereas longer-term trends require looking at yearly indices.
Vegetables saw the most significant price increases in one month. The price of cabbage rose by 25%, eggplants by 23%, and greens and green beans by more than 8%. By the end of winter, the supply of fresh local produce decreases, while demand for imported goods increases, which affects prices. Among citrus fruits, mandarins became almost 14% more expensive as the season is coming to an end, leaving higher-priced fruit on the market.

Among food products, sunflower oil saw a notable increase, rising by more than 4%. Coffee also became more expensive – the price of ground coffee increased by over 4%, influenced by a reduced harvest in international markets.
For meat consumers, this month brought relatively good news. Pork and chicken prices dropped by around 2%, while smoked meat prices fell by 5%. This trend is common during the winter season when demand decreases.

Among dairy products, Imeretian cheese and cottage cheese became more expensive by more than 2%. During winter, milk production declines, leading to price increases.
Clothing prices mostly went down. Men’s and women’s winter footwear became 8% cheaper, as seasonal discounts became more active towards the end of the season.
Airfare saw one of the biggest declines, dropping by more than 14%. Winter is generally a period of lower demand, prompting airlines to sell tickets at lower prices. If you’re planning a vacation or traveling off-season, now might be a good time to book your tickets.
January’s price changes appear logical – seasonality, international trends, and supply-demand dynamics caused fluctuations in different product categories. February will be interesting to watch, especially in food prices, where seasonal factors continue to play a crucial role.