Over 92% of Romanians are afraid of inflation, and 60% give up their favorite brands for cheaper alternatives.

A recent study conducted by iSense Solutions shows that the economic stress level of Romanians has reached alarming heights, with a Consumer Stress Score of 65.8 in March 2026, up from 63.3 in February. Over 92% of respondents express concern about inflation, and 60% have started to give up their preferred brands in favor of cheaper options. This change in behavior is influenced by recent price increases and geopolitical tensions, especially the conflict in Iran and the situation in Ukraine, which amplify the feeling of insecurity. 73% of Romanians are worried about job security, and 79% go out to restaurants less often and look for discounts.

Additionally, 3 out of 4 Romanians feel the need to relax, and 27% feel nervous. Traian Năstase, Managing Partner at iSense Solutions, emphasizes the importance of monitoring these developments to understand changes in consumer behavior. The study was conducted on a sample of 524 urban respondents, with a margin of error of ±4.3%.