Expenses for food, drinks, and non-food products decreased by 4.8% in November 2025, and the Romanian economy is facing a possible technical recession.

According to INS data, Romanian consumption has decreased significantly, by 4.8% in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, marking the largest recent annual reduction. Fuel sales have decreased by 5.3%, while spending on food, beverages, and tobacco has decreased by 5.1%.

Additionally, non-food products have recorded a decrease of nearly 4%. Romania's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2025, raising questions about a possible technical recession. This decrease in consumption and GDP is influenced by the increase in VAT from 19% to 21%, the rise in property and dividend taxes, as well as the stagnation of incomes, including the minimum wage, pensions, and social benefits.