The CPI continues to climb and increases to 5.7% in January in the Balearic Islands. Fuel, clothing and footwear are the main contributors to the rise in prices

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased its annual rate by two tenths of a percentage point in the Balearic Islands in January to 5.7%. The price of food has risen by up to 14%, according to data published on Wednesday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Inflation in Spain rose by 5.9% year-on-year in January, one tenth of a percentage point more than the figure released by the INE on 30 January. It increased by two tenths more than in December, due to the rise in fuel prices following the withdrawal of the subsidy.

Prices rise due to the fuel effect

Fuel, clothing and footwear are the main contributors to the rise in the CPI. The fall in the price of electricity and, to a lesser extent, the moderation of 3 tenths of a percentage point in the rise in food and non-alcoholic beverages, to 14,3%, following the entry into force of the VAT rebate on some foodstuffs. Also noteworthy was the 10.2% increase in alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Likewise, core inflation – the general index without unprocessed food and energy products – rose to 7.7% in annual terms in the Balearic Islands, compared with 7.5% nationally.

Rising prices are the Balearic population’s main concern

Runaway price rises, especially for basic products, are at the heart of Balearic citizens’ concerns. Housing and wages are also of particular concern to citizens. This is revealed in the latest issue of Quaderns Gadeso.

Regarding their evolution over the course of 2023, the islanders are “quite pessimistic”. Only public services, mainly health and transport, “are expected to experience a slight improvement, as a result of the agreement between the Govern and the health unions and free public transport”.