These are familiar lines in many homes: “I don’t know where my money is going,” “my earnings are the same, but I can’t make ends meet,” and “shopping at the supermarket feels like a luxury.” The facts echo the same worry. Inflation climbed to 9.8% in March, up from 9. – well, 3% in February, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). That rate marks the highest since May 1985. Among the contributors, electricity stood out with a 33.1% annual surge, followed by transportation due to higher fuel costs and gas and diesel at 18.6%. Food and soft drinks rose by 6.8%.
The sentiment that everyday purchases are growing more expensive in Galicia is real for many households. To understand this trend item by item, a closer look was taken at how prices have changed and which staples fill most carts.
The analysis refers to the average price per kilogram or the unit of measurement shown in the March 2021 chart from Household Consumption data published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The annual variation released by INE for March 2022 provides the basis for this figure. This is how the shopping receipt appears when viewed in detail.
From toilet paper and sanitary pads to clothing, footwear and banking fees
It isn’t only food that has risen. Electricity has surged dramatically, alongside natural gas and city gas, and butane, compared with the same month last year. Other goods deemed essential for daily living also show variable increases. Toilet paper remains indispensable in all crises, and so do personal care and cleaning products such as bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and sanitary items, which together have seen notable price pressure during crises ranging from pandemics to transport slowdowns.
Clothing and shoes have become more expensive, particularly for children and babies, while bank fees have risen as well. Dental visits, pharmaceutical products, vitamins, and oral contraceptives are part of the household budget’s changing landscape.
Were there any decreases? Yes. Some items have edged lower, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, both national and international flights, and mobile device equipment, which showed small declines in the period reviewed.
The snapshot of core goods and services reveals how much some prices have moved, even as others have held steady or declined. The overall inflation picture is mixed, with pockets of relief amid broad price pressures across categories.
Automobiles and transport costs
Transportation deserves particular attention. Train fares stayed roughly stable, bus fares edged up slightly, and taxi or rental car costs rose. In contrast, owning and using a car has become notably more expensive. New-car prices increased by about 5.3%, spare parts climbed near 6%, and tires rose around 6.2%. Insurance for motor vehicles added roughly 2.5% to the total cost.