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April Sales Dip: Basket Size Down 0.31%
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Slight dip in April's Shopping Basket Costs: Is Inflation Cooling?
Table of Contents
Consumers may find some relief as teh cost of a typical shopping basket saw a slight decrease of 0.31% in April, according to the latest pricing observatory by the Association of Consumers and Users (OCU). This moderation follows months of rising prices, offering a glimmer of hope that inflation may be easing.
Key Price Movements in April
-
Decreases:
- Drinks: -2.04%
- Dairy Products: -1.36%
- Pantry Products: -1.15%
-
Increases:
- Fruits and Vegetables: +1.4%
- Fish: +0.7%
- Butcher Shop and Charcuterie: +0.42%
- Drugstore and Hygiene products: +0.23%
OCU's Perspective: A Cautious Optimism
While the OCU acknowledges this slight decrease as a moderation
in the rise of prices, they also caution that the overall cost remains 35.5 % more expensive than three years ago.
In light of this, the consumer organization is urging action. The OCU has asked to reactivate the VAT reduction applied in 2024 and request consideration of meat and fish as basic foods so that they are also reduced.
Detailed Look at Food Price Fluctuations
A deeper dive into specific food categories reveals notable shifts:
-
important Price Drops:
- Soft Olive oil: -13%
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: -8%
- Oranges: -5%
- Tomatoes: -5%
- Fresh Cheese: -4%
- Salad: -2%
-
Notable Price Increases:
- Potatoes: +6%
- Minced Meat: +6%
- Green Peppers: +5%
- lemons: +5%
- Apples: +5%
- Ground Coffee: +5%
- Onion: +3%
- Pears: +2%
- Milk: +2%
Olive Oil's Impact and the Curious Case of Eggs
the OCU highlighted the significant
consecutive drop in the price of olive oil, noting it as one of the factors that have most influenced the lowering of the purchase basket.
However, not all is rosy. The OCU is paying close attention to the price of eggs. While only rising 0.6% in April, egg prices have jumped 25% since March. The OCU suggests this would confirm a speculative movement due to the difficulties that the market has been going through in the United States.
FAQ: Understanding the Price Changes
- why did the price of olive oil drop?
- The OCU cites consecutive price drops as a significant factor in lowering overall shopping basket costs.
- Why are egg prices rising?
- The OCU suggests a possible speculative movement due to market difficulties in the U.S.
- What is the OCU recommending?
- The OCU is urging the reactivation of VAT reductions and the consideration of meat and fish as basic foods for tax reduction.
Global Context and Consumer Impact
The slight decrease in shopping basket prices offers a small respite to consumers who have been grappling with rising costs. However, it's crucial to note that prices are still significantly higher than they were three years ago.
The Spanish Consumer Organisation (OCU)'s annual review of supermarket prices found that the average price of the typical shopping basket has increased by 15.2%, due to inflation [[2]].
Consumers should remain vigilant and informed about price fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions.
