PRICES in Spain were up by 3% in January compared with the same month last year, according to the consumer price index (IPC). This was the highest rise in inflation for five years and contrasts with the negative figure of -0.3% recorded in January last year.
Increases in fuel prices and electricity bills have largely been blamed for the hike, but residents are also noticing sharp rises in the cost of fresh produce in the shops. Farmers’ trade unions have revealed that although yields are down this winter due the storms, much of the harvest is being exported to EU countries by distribution companies.
