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If your weekly shop feels like it’s costing more these days, you’re not imagining it. Latest data from consumer group Facua-Consumers in Action shows that several essential foods have seen price increases across Spain this September, even though VAT was reduced to help ease the cost for shoppers.

 

The biggest hikes hit oranges, iceberg lettuce, and garlic. A four-kilo bag of oranges is now on average 13.6% dearer than last month, with Hipercor leading the charge by charging €7.95 up from €5.99 in August - a pretty hefty 32.7% jump. Iceberg lettuce hasn’t been far behind, climbing 5.6% on average, with Aldi showing a sharp increase of 52.3% from just 65 cents to 99. Garlic prices have also crept up by 4.6% overall, with Alcampo hiking their prices 25.1%, from €1.99 to €2.49.

 

Other staples aren’t immune either: wheat flour, sunflower oil, and round rice have all nudged upwards, although these rises are barely noticeable when compared to the main culprits.

 

But not everything is climbing in price. Facua highlights several items holding steady like golden apples, lemons, and a dozen eggs. In fact, some products have dropped in price, giving shoppers a chance to breathe. Potatoes have slumped 15.4%, seedless white grapes by a significant 20.8%, and olive oil is down by an eye-catching 43% on average. Onions, mushrooms, carrots, and even whole milk have all softened their prices slightly as well.

 

Looking at the year-on-year picture paints an even clearer image of price volatility. Conference pears lead with a staggering 38.2% increase compared to last September, with Alcampo charging nearly double - up 93.7% between €1.75 and €3.39 per kilo. Seedless white grapes and lemons also show sharp rises of 24.8% and 22.2% respectively. There were notable year-on-year increases for eggs, oranges, onions, garlic, sunflower oil, and other everyday staples too.

 

Despite ongoing scrutiny from the government, Facua points out that after their complaints early last year, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda asked major supermarkets to prove that the price hikes seen during the VAT reduction period didn’t result in increased profit margins. However, more than a year and a half later, no disciplinary action has been taken, even though clear signs of markups remain.

 

So, when you next do your shopping, keep an eye out for those price tags rising on your favourite basics like oranges and lettuce, but also enjoy the rare deals on olive oil and potatoes for now.

 

 

Image: Eduardo Soares/Unsplash