Prices rise again in April in Catalonia, with inflation at 3.9%

Inflation rose again in Catalonia in April, reaching 3.9%, 8 percentage points higher than the month prior, according to figures released on Friday morning by Spain's statistics institute (INE). 

Food products were 12.2% more expensive than a year ago but their cost is increasing at a slower rate as in March they were 14.6% more expensive. 

The last month they did not go up at a higher rate was in August, at 12.1%

Inflation went up 0.5% compared to the month prior, as was the case in March. 

According to INE, inflation is up because housing costs went down at a lower rate than they did a year ago. 

In April the price of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels was -9.2%, up from -12.9% the previous month.

Increased transport costs due to rising fuel prices also brought inflation up. 

Clothing and footwear in Catalonia rose by 1.6% in April, a slighter increase compared to 3.2% in March.

Core inflation, which does not include energy or unprocessed food prices, fell to 6.6%, down from 7.5% in March.

Within Catalonia, inflation is 3.9% in Barcelona and Girona, 4.5% in Lleida, and 3.5% in Tarragona. 

Over 92% of Catalans are concerned about inflation according to a study carried out by Nickel bank that also found that over 70% believe prices will continue rising. 

Inflation in Spain stood at 4.1% in April, 8 percentage points higher than in March.