Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Tuesday, 1 April 20, 10:59
According to the Spanish OCU, an organisation of consumers and user’s, food prices increased by 0.55 percent in March. In the past three years these have risen 36 percent. Eggs saw the largest price increase (24%) whereas other products, such as extra virgin oil (EVOO), is one of the rare items that have decreased by 6.23%.
The OCU Price Observatory is responsible for tracking the price changes of up to a hundred common products purchased at supermarkets. The OCU explains that prices are monitored in supermarkets every month. The OCU records the online prices of eight large chains: Alcampo, Carrefour, Día, Mas, Ahorramas, Lidl, Mercadona and Supermercados El Corte Inglés. The OCU analyses fresh foods, branded products, and supermarket own-brands. Also included are the most popular health and hygiene products.
“During the month of February, stability was the rule with barely perceptible drops in prices. In March, however, prices began to rise again. Our shopping basket cost 312.27 euro in March, which is 0.55% higher than it was in February,” explained the OCU on its website. The average price of the shopping basket is up by 1.31% this year.
Evolution of food groups by the Consumers and Users’ Organisation
OCU
Price increases and falls
Fruits and vegetables have the biggest price increase, at 5.96%, compared to February. However, eggs are up by 24% because of supply problems caused by avian virus in other countries. Olive oil leads the way in price drops. Sliced bread, cooked Ham and Cola Cao Hot Chocolate Powder are also cheaper in the last month.
This is a list of nine products that saw the highest price increases in March.
1. Eggs (24%). Current price: 2.65 / previous price: 2.14 euros.
2. Salad 175 grams (24%).. Current price: 1.84 / previous price: 1.49 euros.
3. Onion (13%).. Current price: 1.81 euros / previous price: 1.58 euros
4. Oranges (11%). Current price: 1.95 / previous price: 1.76 euros
5. Green peppers 1 kg (7%). Current price: 2.67 / previous price: 2.49 euros.
6. Toilet cleaner (6%). Current price: 3.05 / previous price: 2.87 euros
7. Salad tomatoes (5%). Current price: 2.21 / previous price: 2.10 euros
8. Minced meat (5%). Current price: 9.93 / previous price: 9.46 euros
9. Yoghurt, 8x125g (4%). Current price: 1.96 / previous price: 1.87 euros.
