The consumer association FACUA has already questioned the effectiveness of the Spanish Government’s measure after analysing the prices of hundreds of products. At the beginning of the year, the Government imposed the abolition or reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain products intended for basic consumption. FACUA, however, has seen since the beginning of the year the prices of hundreds of foods from eight large distribution chains, and has announced that prices have soared.

In March he said the increase in food was 20%. It now publishes a new figure: 42% of the products have become more expensive. FACUA has analysed the prices of 991 products from the Alcampo, Aldi, Carrefour, Dia, Eroski, Lidl, Hipercor and Mercadona chains, and has seen in 416 cases an increase in cost.

He conducted the last tests on April 3, 4, 5 and 11. During the months of January, February and March the association lodged complaints with the Spanish Market and Competition Commission about these price increases. However, there has been no response at the moment.

Fruit and vegetables appear to be the most expensive. Of the 416 price rises you last found, 152 (36.5%) refer to fruit and vegetables. 80 (19.2%), 63 (15.1%), 54 (12.9%) in rice and pasta and 33 (7.9%) in legumes.