(Finance) – One Italian out of three pours into one condition economic difficult due to the grip of inflation that envelops the daily life of Italian families. The hardest hit are the poorest families. Thanks to astatistical survey – carried out together with the corresponding consumer organizations of Spain, Belgium and Portugal part of Euroconsumers – Other consumption he was able to photograph the current economic condition and the behaviors adopted by the Italians, who are forced to cut a part of their consumption or resort to loans.
The Organization has detected a sharply worsening economic situation: in April of last year, 31% of the people interviewed said they had not been able to set aside any savings at the end of the month (and in the previous 12 months). However, this percentage rose to 41% in December 2022 everyday life it therefore becomes more and more complicated: 37% of the sample had to resort to accumulated savings, reaching the point of having to ask friends and relatives for a hand in 13% of cases. It is worrying that many families are unable to meet basic necessities such as utility bills; in fact, for 42% of Italians it has practically become a cost unsustainable. The habits associated with thebuying food20% of people buy less food: in particular, 31% buy less meat and fish, while 16% reduce the consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Altroconsumo data confirm that the high cost of living further penalizes more fragile families: 44% of those in an already compromised economic situation felt a “major negative impact” on their quality of life. L’inflation forces Italians to change their consumption patterns, necessarily making cuts: 57% of the sample analyzed say they have given up on many cultural activities, while 59% have reduced the budget allocated to trips And vacation. In this context, only 2% of people claim that they have not changed any of their habits or cut them expenses for leisure. Furthermore, in 56% of cases lifestyle changes caused by rising prices had a negative impact on people’s psychological well-being.
A high percentage of citizens (78%) are convinced that companies are taking advantage of inflation to increase their profits in an unjustified way and there is also a state of distrust about the role of institutions. Almost half of sample48%, do not believe that the government exercises effective control to prevent unjustified increases in products and services.
In the general uncertainty that characterizes the current scenario, a small one emerges glimmer of light: the Italians in fact demonstrate a greater awareness in following anti-waste behaviors, such as reducing the heating in the house, using appliances at full load and with eco programs. 72% of those interviewed believe they are more informed on these issues and 68% say they want to continue in this sense, even when the energy emergency is over. Additionally, 44% of consumers have taken at least one initiative to improve energy savings in their homes, such as installing heat pumps or solar panels.