A consumer watchdog has revealed the dramatic prices rises of some groceries in Spain this year – as well as the unexpected drops.
According to a new study by FACUA–Consumers in Action, the price of olive oil has dipped more than any other product over the past year.
Between September 2024 and September 2025, the price per litre fell by an average of 43% across eight major supermarket chains.
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Once a symbol of inflation, the so-called ‘liquid gold’ has become one of the few reliefs for household budgets.
This dramatic drop stands in stark contrast to the overall trend in grocery prices. While olive oil got cheaper, other essentials kept climbing.
The report highlights conference pears as the item with the biggest price increase: up 38.2% on average, and as much as 93.7% at Alcampo.
Other notable hikes include eggs (+20.4%), white grapes (+24.8%), and lemons (+22.2%).
September snapshot: Sharp swings continue
In the most recent month, olive oil prices continued to dip, though more modestly at -0.9%. But it’s this short-term window where the most striking price swings are happening.
Oranges surged by an average of 13.6% in just a few weeks. Iceberg lettuce climbed 5.6%, with a massive 52.3% spike at Aldi alone.
On the other hand, potatoes saw prices fall by 15.4%, and grapes by 20.8%, leading September’s biggest drops.
Scrutiny on supermarkets and the Government
The ongoing price volatility is unfolding more than 18 months after Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs asked supermarkets to justify their price hikes following the temporary VAT cut on essential food items.
FACUA now accuses the ministry of inaction, noting that no sanctions have been announced for potentially illegal profit margin increases – despite repeated warnings.
Since January 1, 2025, the VAT on basic food items has been reinstated, further fueling consumer frustration.
