As the cost of living continues to rise across Bosnia and Herzegovina, many citizens are increasingly relying on what some describe as the “art of survival.” With the average salary covering less than half of the monthly consumer basket and the minimum wage covering less than 30 percent, shoppers are buying smaller quantities of food and carefully stretching every mark.
For pensioners such as Janja Josić, a person with 100 percent disability who lives on a minimum pension, everyday shopping has become a struggle.
“You can’t buy the same things as before. It used to be different, now it’s terrible. Nobody looks at pensioners. What kind of pension is this?” Josić says.
Her limited income is largely spent on medicines and utility bills, leaving little for food. She often depends on the kindness of market vendors who provide small portions of meat so she can prepare a decent meal.
At Tuzla’s markets, traders report a significant change in consumer behavior. Rising prices have forced customers to reduce their purchases, often buying only what is absolutely necessary.
Zijada Sinanović, who has been selling agricultural products for two decades, says buyers are now purchasing noticeably smaller quantities.
“People used to buy more. It was cheaper then, now everything costs more. Those who bought a kilogram of cream now buy half. Those who bought two cheeses now buy one,” she explains.
Tomatoes and peppers that once sold for two to three convertible marks per kilogram now cost around five marks, further squeezing household budgets.
Other vendors point to growing competition from large shopping centers and declining customer traffic.
“Before, it was much better, with more people and better sales. Now the big shopping centers have taken customers away from the market,” says trader Mustafa Karić.
Despite the challenges, some sellers remain optimistic.
“I have loyal customers, so I manage to sell everything. I’m satisfied with my products and sales,” says Refija Džafić.
According to trade union data, the consumer basket for a family of four in Bosnia and Herzegovina reached nearly 3,436 KM in May. The average salary covered only 49.47 percent of that amount, while the minimum wage covered less than 30 percent.
The effects are also visible in butcher shops, where customers continue to shop but purchase smaller portions.
“People still come to buy, but they take less because everything is more expensive,” says butcher Omer Karić.
His colleague Ismet Fejzić highlights additional concerns about domestic production.
“There are no domestic products, and what is available is expensive. There is not enough production,” he says.
As food prices continue to climb, many citizens—particularly pensioners and low-income families—are left searching for ways to make ends meet. For an increasing number of people, shopping is no longer about buying by the kilogram, but simply by the gram.
