ECONOMIC SITUATION IN RUMANIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A006000490003-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 29, 2008
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: February 21, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2008/02/29: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006000490003-2
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title
18, U.S.C. Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which In any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. 25X1
SECRET
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRED
DATE ACQUIRED
REPOR~
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES
REQUIREMENT NO.
REFERENCES
21 February 1955
2
RD
1. There has been no. visible improvement in the food situation in Rumania.
Numerous stores in Bucharest and certain cities in the region have windows 25X1.
displaying a variety of goods. However., it seems that the goods are
shown exclusively for propaganda purposes and they are not accessible ex-
cept.to a small minority of privileged persons. Almost all the food markets
are controlled by State stores where buyers must wait., sometimes hours., to
get the most basic items. The large open markets have almost disappeared
entirely. There are still a few in the suburbs where authorized peasants
may sell part of their surplus. Without ration coupons one can bury
vegetables, eggs, cheese and milk at these open markets. There are still
high restrictions on meat. For a certain number of food articles there
are three prices: free market., black market and rationed.
2. Life is especially difficult for families in which only one member works;
for old people; and more, for the "class enemies" who are strictly kept
apart from the working group. The latter have no ration cards., although
they receive housing, heat and electricity.
3o Black marketing of meat is done principally by peasants living in the
suburbs of the city. They., along with the itinerant vegetable sellers,
have succeeded in obtaining regular customers.
6. The following are some examples of prices:
4.
The State has set up special stores for Party members, factory leaders
and other privileged to buy provisions. The stores are known as G.M.
State control of almost all production is found in every type of work.,
including shoemakers and tailors who work on the collective plan.
In regard to land quotas, there was a case of a peasant, owner of four
hectares of arable land., who was obliged to deliver to the State 600
liters of milk per year despite the fact that he did not own a cow.
.70 lei with ration ticket;
2 lei on open market.
Black bread (1 kg.)
SECRET'
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(Note: Washington disci" tion indicated by "X"; Field distribution by "#".)
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Approved For Release 2008/02/29: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006000490003-2
 Approved For Release 2008/02/29: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006000490003-2
White bread (400 gr.) 2.80 lei open market
White flour (1 kg.) 5 lei free market
(Wheat is requisitioned from the producer at .20 lei per kg.)
Sugar (1 kg.) 41. lei rationed; 25 lei black market
Egg 1.10 lei rationed; 1.50 - 3 lei free market
Milk (1 liter) 1.10 lei rationed; 3 to 4 lei free market
Pork (1 kg.) 2I. lei black market
(Beef is distributed on ration tickets at 150 gr. per week)
Herring (1 kg.) 12 - 20 lei free market
Lemons or oranges (1 kg.) 25 lei free market
Women's sandals (bad quality) 400 lei free market
Approved For Release 2008/02/29: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006000490003-2