euronews.com
Portuguese Food Basket Price Soars by €17 in One Year
A shopping basket of 63 essential goods in Portugal now costs €241.17, €17 more than a year ago, due to factors including the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, drought, and bird flu.
- What is the overall impact of the increased food prices in Portugal?
- The average price of a shopping basket of essential goods in Portugal has increased by €17 in the past year, reaching €241.17. This represents a significant increase in the cost of living for Portuguese consumers, impacting household budgets and potentially leading to reduced consumption.
- What are the potential long-term implications of these price increases for Portuguese consumers and the economy?
- The sustained high food prices could lead to decreased consumer spending on non-essential goods, impacting economic growth. Furthermore, it may exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting low-income households. The Portuguese government's efforts to mitigate price increases through measures like VAT exemptions may need to be reassessed and potentially expanded to address the ongoing crisis.
- Which specific products have experienced the most substantial price increases, and what are the underlying reasons?
- Eggs have seen the most significant price increase, rising by 60 cents (41%) in the last year, reaching €2.06 for half a dozen. Other notable increases include curly lettuce (up 38%), broccoli (up 33%), and beef for cooking (up 28%). These increases are largely attributed to the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the agri-food sector, drought, and a global bird flu crisis leading to egg shortages.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a factual account of rising food prices in Portugal, focusing on data from DECO PROteste. The framing emphasizes the significant increase in prices over different timeframes (year, since January, since end of zero VAT), highlighting the impact on consumers. While the article mentions government efforts to mitigate price increases (zero VAT agreement), the overall framing leans towards showcasing the severity of the price increases. There's no overt bias in the narrative structure itself, but the emphasis on the magnitude of price increases could potentially shape reader perception towards a more negative view of the situation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, relying on data and statistics. Terms like "significant increase" and "highest prices" are descriptive but don't carry strong emotional connotations. The article avoids overtly charged language or subjective opinions. However, using phrases like "may now have to spend", while technically accurate, subtly suggests a burden on consumers.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on price increases and their causes, but omits discussion of potential mitigating factors beyond the government's VAT exemption. For example, it doesn't explore the role of consumer behavior (e.g., changes in purchasing habits), retailer pricing strategies beyond the mentioned agreement, or the impact of other economic factors. While space constraints are likely a factor, omitting these perspectives limits a comprehensive understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses food price inflation in Portugal, impacting food accessibility and affordability. The significant price increases in essential goods, particularly eggs, beef, and vegetables, directly threaten food security and the ability of vulnerable populations to access nutritious food. The impact of the war in Ukraine, bird flu, and increased production costs are all factors exacerbating this issue, thus hindering progress towards Zero Hunger.