A topic that's getting a bit of media attention lately is the price of a gyros, a.k.a. souvlaki. The recently formed union of souvlaki makers in Athens announced the price will be hiked up 10-15% to 3€, from around 2.50€ currently, due to a supply shortage of pork. Apparently there's been a serious outbreak of swine fever in China, the world's largest consumer of pork, and the shortfall is being met by imports.
According to the Economy Ministry, as reported by
ekathimerini, so far the price of pork has risen only by 1%. However, the Association of Hellenic Meat Processing Industries (SEBEK) said international pork prices have seen a rise of 30-32 percent since end-February, according to
thenationalherald.com.
Gyros/souvlaki is so popular among Greeks that in some places McDonald's have closed due to lack of demand. Allegedly, there will be a protest rally against the price hike in central Athens on 30 April although, according to
amna.gr, competition among souvlaki shops will keep prices down (in Athens, anyway).
