Inflation is once again at highs since 2023 due to the increase in fuels

BarcelonaThe cost of living for families continues to rise due to the increase in energy prices, reaching highs not seen since February 2023 for the second consecutive month. Specifically, in September, the prices of all consumer goods and services in Catalonia soared by 4.5% compared to the same month a year ago, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data published this Wednesday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Compared to August, price growth in Catalonia is 0.1%, two tenths of a percentage point less than the increase recorded in Spain. In the country as a whole, annual inflation stood at 4.9%, six tenths of a percentage point higher than that recorded during the previous month.

Furthermore, core inflation, which does not take into account the most volatile elements such as energy prices, has risen by two tenths of a percentage point both in Catalonia, to 3%, and in the country as a whole, to 3.1%. The INE points to the prices of recreational activities, sports, and culture, as well as transport, as the main factors for the increase.