The average size of the shopping basket goes from 23 to 12 products due to inflation
The data of september inflation confirms that the rising prices of food and household bills (electricity, gas and water, insurance, municipal taxes…) is more than a threat to the purchasing power of pensioners; It is a reality that is impoverishing millions of homes. He cost of living skyrockets again, making a new broken to the pocket, when the final months of the year, which They tend to be inflationary, due to the arrival of cold weather (more expensive bills) and the holidays (higher consumption and expenses).
The blow of inflation to retirees is confirmed by the National Statistics Institute (INE), which this Wednesday published the consumer price index September: the CPI has risen to 3% in annual rate. Meanwhile, the pensions of Social Security they have risen 2.8% general this year, after the Government applied the revaluation, depending on the Reform Law 21/2021.
At this point in 2025, therefore, the increase in pensions is lower than the increase in supermarket prices, which leaves the increase who have experienced the majority of contributory payments. The risk of hardship is severe for millions of retirees, since the vast majority only has the pension to live on, and more than half earn less, or around 1,000 euros monthly, especially elderly women.
Inflation brings another reason for alert, because, after the new acceleration in September, prices are at their highest level since February, and furthermore, the rise in the CPI in the ninth month of the year means resume the upward path, after the relative stability that it had maintained in August and July (2.7% in both months).
The shopping basket, prohibitive
The data from the National Institute of Statistics leave no room for doubt about the increases that support millions of families, for the expensive household bills and the difficulties to fill the fridge with basic products.
In September, the Foods register an increase of 2.4% compared to a year ago, and the group of dwelling supports a 7.1% increase annual.
More in detail, in the last year (September 2025, about the same month of 2024), which more has risen in price has been the coffee (+19.9%), the oils other than olive (+18.2%)the eggs (+17.9%), the meat of beef (16.5% more expensive), the infusions and cocoa (16%), the meat of lamb (9%) and the legumes and fresh vegetables (8% more).
And another of the basic products, present in almost every home, the olive oil, accumulates an increase in its price 49.6% since January 2021.
The INE data also show that the fresh fish and frozen is today 7.7% more expensive that a year ago. And that the receipts of heating, lighting and distribution of water cost the 11.1% more than in September of last year.
Inflation devours the rise in pensions
From January 1, 2025, the general increase of 2.8% in pensions contributory has translated into an increase of about 600 euros/year in the average retirement pension, which is the same, around 50 euros per month; an increase that no longer compensates for inflation, which accelerates to the point of 3%. Furthermore, Spanish households suffer from inflationary spiral from 2022, as reported by various pensioner movements and platforms
Price increases put a bigger hole in the pockets of the most vulnerable retirees. According to the latest Purchasing and Consumption Habits Survey, Almost 4 out of 10 consumers are vulnerable in terms of food. Furthermore, the 81% have changed their habits purchasing, in search of more competitive prices and better use of food.
