Catalan inflation eases in December, ending 2025 at 2.5%

Inflation in Catalonia slowed slightly in December, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) easing by one-tenth of a percentage point to 2.5%, according to figures released on Thursday by Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE).

The December figure was four-tenths of a point lower than at the end of 2024.

On average, inflation in Catalonia stood at 2.4% for 2025, also four-tenths down on the previous year.

Food prices rose 2.7% in 2025, led by eggs, which were 20.9% more expensive.

The INE confirmed that Spanish inflation also edged down by one-tenth of a point in December to 2.9%, bringing the average inflation rate for 2025 to 2.7%.

The December slowdown was driven mainly by lower fuel prices compared with the same month a year earlier.

In contrast, inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose two-tenths of a point in December to 3%, driven mainly by higher prices for legumes, vegetables, and oils and fats, compared with a decline in the same items in December 2024.

Wages grow faster than prices

Wages in Catalonia grew faster than consumer prices last year, with salaries set by collective bargaining agreements rising 3.18%, six-tenths above the 2025 inflation rate. Salaries negotiated at the company level pay rises were closer to inflation, increasing 2.67%.

Unions argue that headline CPI figures may underestimate the real cost of living, particularly housing, and have called for alternative indices that better reflect everyday household expenses.

Energy costs in Catalonia showed mixed trends. Fuel prices helped moderate overall inflation, falling 1.6% compared with December 2024, while electricity, gas, and other utilities rose 8.1%, still well below last December's 13.9% increase.

Service-sector inflation also slowed in December. Transport costs rose 1.3%, leisure and culture 0.7%, while restaurants and hotels recorded a faster increase of 4.1%.