Before Easter, Lithuanians meticulously search through Polish stores – can you find savings?

The media visited three retail chain stores located in Suwalki. The interviewed residents admit that alcohol is much cheaper in Poland.

“We will celebrate two birthdays, so we are shopping. Alcohol is, of course, cheaper,” says Lithuanian Živile, who goes shopping to Poland once a month and spends around 300-400 euros.

Kaunas resident Jozas, who came to Suwalkos with his relatives, said that he saves at least 30 cents by buying one bottle of beer.

Lithuanians who shop in Polish supermarkets report that they also manage to save on food. “We bought food for the festive table. Fruits are cheaper. For example, apples cost 30 cents, but in Lithuania – one euro,” compares Jozas.

Lithuanians also conclude that green peas are much cheaper. If in Poland they cost 42 cents, then in Lithuania they cost almost one euro. “I think we will save 100-150 euros compared to shopping in Lithuania,” resident Rita admits.

One respondent even concludes that they shop for around 1,000 euros.

On the other hand, residents Dovile and Andrius emphasize that they save on VAT and dairy products are also cheap: “The products are cheaper. We go every six months. We buy the same things we would buy in Lithuania, we save on VAT, and dairy products anyway are cheaper, so we have more money left over.”

On February 1, 2022, it was announced that temporary changes came into effect in Poland, resulting in the abolition or reduction of value added tax (VAT) on food, fuel and many other products and services.

Such measures have been introduced in Poland to reduce the negative impact of inflation, especially in the winter months, when an increase in consumer prices is predicted.

As a result, prices have been reduced in stores and gas stations in the neighboring country, which has caused an influx of buyers from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.