In spite of ‘revelations’ that the level of overall inflation for November appeared to have ‘fallen’ compared to October (by 0.2 percentage points), the truth is that certain prices are continuing to climb – not least the ‘basic foods’ that make up the ‘typical hamper’ frequently referred to by national media. According to DECO (consumer watchdog), this basic hamper has increased in price since the start of the war in Ukraine by €36 (fish and dairy products being foods that have increased most). Last week alone the price went up by €6. SIC television news cites ‘economists and market analysts’ warning AGAINST lavish spending over Christmas/ New Year, as this will almost certainly lead to higher prices in January. November’s level of inflation has been pegged at 9.9%, a very slight dip from October’s 10.1%.
