Inflation rises above regional and national averages
The annual inflation rate in the province of Lleida, including Alt Pirineu and Aran, reached 5.1% in September 2023, according to data published by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE). This marks the highest level since February 2023, when inflation stood at 6.7%. The figure is 0.4 percentage points higher than in August 2023, when inflation was 4.7%. While the monthly increase slowed compared to August’s 0.9% rise, the annual rate continues to climb. Lleida’s inflation rate now exceeds both the Catalan regional average of 4.5% and the national average of 4.9%.
Energy costs drive price surge
Household utilities, including electricity, gas and other fuels, saw a 19.3% annual increase in prices, significantly pushing up overall inflation. The broader category of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 11.7% over the year. Transport costs also climbed, with an annual increase of 9.5%. Food prices rose by 3.3% year-on-year, while non-alcoholic beverages increased by 2.9%. In contrast, alcohol, clothing and footwear saw price decreases, with clothing and footwear down 2.9% compared to the previous year.
What this means for residents
Residents in Lleida, Alt Pirineu and Aran are facing higher living costs, particularly in energy and transport. The rise in food prices adds further pressure on household budgets. While clothing and footwear have become slightly cheaper over the past year, the overall cost of living continues to increase at a faster pace than in most of Catalonia and Spain.
Primary sources: idescat.cat. Reported by radioseu.cat, ine.es, INE.
