The minimum subsistence level in the Transnistrian region has increased by 64% over a year. According to the Transnistrian economy ministry, the minimum subsistence level is now about 850 rubles, including 500 rubles for food products, Info-Prim Neo’s correspondent in Transnistria reports. According to the central bank of Transnistria, 1 Moldovan leu is equal to 0.85 Transnistrian rubles. At the start of this year, the leu cost about 65-70 Transnistrian kopeks. Economists anticipate that the ratio will be 1:1 at mid-summer. The basic food products have got dearer by 68% during a year. The price of sunflower oil rose threefold, while of meat products – by 30%. Eggs grew dearer by 70 %, milk and milk products – by 50 %, rice – by 50%. The maintenance costs went up by 38%. The trade unions from all the towns demanded that the Transnistrian authorities raise the salaries. Otherwise, they will stage protests. The average salary in the region’s healthcare sector is about 780 rubles (approximately 820 lei).The salaries in education and agriculture are even lower. The salary arrears total about 117 million rubles. The minimum subsistence level is a social-economic indicator used to monitor the standard of living and the evolution of the minimum salaries and pensions. It includes the minimum consumer basket, the minimum food products and housing and transport services needed.