Prices have followed the downward trend. According to INSTAT data, during the month of April of this year, inflation decreased to the level of 4.6% from 5.3% that was a month ago. 

The strongest impact on this situation was given by the reductions in the price of fuel. In the retail market, fuel was sold cheaper, even if we compare it with the period before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Currently, a liter of diesel is being sold for 169 Lek, while gasoline for 172 Lek. Meanwhile, in the same period of a year ago, a liter of diesel was sold for over 240 ALL per liter. According to INSTAT data, the transport group suffered a decrease of 0.71% 

Even the increase in food prices has slowed down during April. According to INSTAT, the annual increase in prices in April was mainly influenced by the group "Food and non-alcoholic beverages" which increased by 3.43%, followed by the group "Furniture, home appliances and home maintenance" by 0.48%. 

This subgroup has been favoured by the strengthening of the lek against the euro. For several weeks, one euro has been exchanged at the currency exchange rate of around 111 lek, making imports of food products cheaper. 

With the reduction experienced during the month of April, inflation has approached the objective of the Bank of Albania of 3%. Considering these developments, the Bank of Albania may no longer make decisions to increase the basic rate of inflation in the following months, even though it has warned of such a thing. If it continues in these figures, inflation may return to the target earlier than predicted by financial institutions.