The cost of an essential basket of 63 food products, monitored by the consumer protection association Deco Proteste, has reached a record high of 257.95 euros. This represents an increase of 2.95 euros in just one week, with prices for items like pasta showing significant spikes. The current cost is 37.42% higher than it was four years ago.
Essential food basket costs reach record high of 257.95 euros
Wednesday, 8 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Deco Proteste is Portugal's largest consumer rights organization, providing independent product testing, legal advice, dispute mediation, and advocacy on behalf of consumers. It is part of the international Euroconsumers group.
Deco publishes comparative tests of products and services (from insurance policies to supermarket prices), lobbies for consumer-friendly legislation, and runs a mediation service that helps resolve disputes between consumers and companies. It also operates helplines during crises — such as severe weather events — to advise on insurance claims, billing disputes, and emergency consumer rights.
Membership is paid, but Deco's public advocacy and media presence make it a significant voice in Portuguese consumer affairs. Its studies and reports are frequently cited in news coverage of cost-of-living, energy prices, and financial products.
