Cited by Notícias ao Minuto, DECO PROteste revealed that, in the second week of March, the basic food basket “reached its highest price ever”. Overall, the products that increased the most were zucchini, sea bream, and cabbage.

"The food basket monitored by DECO PROteste has never been so expensive. This week, it reached €254.12, €12.30 more (5.09% more) than in the first week of this year and €66.42 more (35.39% more) compared to the first week of 2022, when the consumer protection organisation began monitoring this basket of essential goods," reads the DECO PROteste website.

DECO PROteste also states that although prices are rising, further increases may be expected in the coming months.

"The war in the Middle East has already caused increases in fuel and energy prices, and the impacts may begin to be felt in supply chains, just as happened with the energy crisis caused by the start of the war in Ukraine.

One of the main reasons may be the tension in the Middle East and the consequent increase in fuel prices. The consequences of the storms in Portugal may also raise food prices.

The tension in the Middle East makes it more difficult to transport fertilisers for agriculture, which ultimately impacts the final consumer.

Which product price increased?

Between 4 and 11 March, the product that increased the most in price was tuna in vegetable oil, which rose 33%. Frankfurt sausages increased by 20% and spiral pasta by 12%.

Comparing this week's data with the data from the first week of January, the largest increases were recorded in zucchini (+38%), sea bream (+28%) and cabbage (+27%)."