The upward drift in shopping cart prices continues to outpace any relief. Facua, a consumer organization, released its latest monthly price analysis on Friday, in light of the government’s decision to cut VAT on staple foods to 0% and to 4% on oil and pasta starting in January. The findings are clear: 42% of the items in the grocery basket cost more in April than they did in December, marking a 10-point rise since March and a 20-point jump since February.
The group’s general secretary, Ruben Sanchez, asserted that the government has promised price freezes for four to six months depending on how inflation unfolds, yet core inflation in April shows no sign of cooling. He argued that prices are not hitting a ceiling, that consumers are bearing heavier burdens, and that government officials have not shouldered their responsibilities. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food spoke on the matter, while also calling for accountability from his department to publicly outline the concrete steps taken to rein in every link in the food chain.
In parallel, the campaign included sharp questions directed at the National Markets and Competition Commission CNMC. Facua submitted multiple complaints asking for an investigation into whether the observed price increases could be tied to rising costs or potential pricing irregularities that suggest fraud. The spokesperson noted cases where price movements appeared sector-specific and not aligned with manufacturer or primary sector costs, raising concerns about the consistency of price changes across different stores.
In terms of products, Facua highlights fruits and vegetables, olive oils, and dairy products as the categories most affected by price dynamics. The analysis covered all major distribution channels, signaling that the pressure is not confined to a single retailer or format.
Market rankings revealed that a large portion of price hikes were concentrated in major supermarket chains. One retailer stood out with the highest share of products needing cheaper prices through promotions, followed by several other large operators. The data also show that some promotions were not fully realized, with items advertised as discounted not always available at lower prices in practice. This has led Facua to question the effectiveness of promotional campaigns and to urge chains to sustain genuine price reductions when costs permit. The organization notes that at least one chain could do more by lowering the price of hundreds of products if it confirms a downward shift in costs, while others have outperformed expectations in different ways. These nuances underscore the need for ongoing scrutiny of how promotional pricing aligns with actual cost movements across the market.