NIQ Barometer shows Romanians focus their budget on essential goods

18 August 2026 Romanians spent RON 68 billion (almost EUR 13 billion) in the first six months of 2026 on products from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and Electro-IT products, up 3.2% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the State of the Retail Nation barometer, published by NielsenIQ (NIQ) Romania. The consumer price inflation for the period was 10.1%. The value of FMCG sales through retail channels increased by 5.2% in the first half of the year, but only by 3.9% in the second quarter, with inflation being the main factor supporting this growth, Agerpres reported. Sales volumes have remained generally stable across most categories, with consumers adopting various cost-saving strategies, such as switching to more affordable brands or private labels, shoppin