Latest news and stories about food prices in finance in Portugal for expats and residents.
Available evidence suggests that the most effective social protection policies in the food sector are those that increase food supply or directly support the most vulnerable groups.
Portuguese people continue to visit local markets, but are already looking for cheaper products. The bad weather that affected the country also had an impact on food prices.
Regarding the impact of the war in Iran on consumer prices, “uncertainty prevails,” says Juan Roig, president of Mercadona, who sees himself as a surfing entrepreneur, “waiting for the wave.”
This year, the price of cod, a staple in Portuguese cuisine, has reached unprecedented levels, with fifty euros no longer sufficient to purchase three kilos. This significant increase reflects broader economic trends affecting food prices.
The oil shock is taking shape, with Brent crude oil trading above $85, an 18% increase since the start of the war against Iran. A significant rise in fuel costs is expected next Monday, but another burden is emerging: the cost of fertilisers, which directly impacts agricultural production and livestock farming. After the oil crisis, a food crisis seems to be forming. Major fertiliser producers, many located in the Middle East, are affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran. Analysts warn that the price of imported food in Portugal and many European countries is set to soar. Portugal has had weak food sovereignty for decades, importing €5.1 billion in agricultural products last year, an 8% increase from 2024. The dependence on fertilisers is also significant, with imports rising to €342 million in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year. The meat market is similarly affected, with Portugal importing €2.1 billion in meat last year, a 22% annual increase. Economists warn that European countries, especially those heavily reliant on agriculture, will be among the most affected globally if the conflict continues, leading to higher food prices and potential shortages.
After contributing to a slowdown in January, food prices were responsible for the overall increase in prices the following month. Nevertheless, the index remains below the average of the past year.
The recent storms in Portugal are expected to have a financial impact on the population, exacerbating an already rising trend in food prices. The Secretary-General of the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal highlights that the cost of the food basket has surged by 26% over the past few years, indicating that while the storms will affect wallets, there will still be an adequate supply of products available.
Press review: Storms in January and February have pushed the food basket to a four‑year high, with prices rising consecutively since early 2026 as greenhouse destruction and higher transport costs bite, warns Deco Proteste. Jornal de Notícias and other outlets flag further deterioration in vegetable and fruit bills, while the state faces millions in costs to recover at‑risk companies. Coverage also notes a controversial overlap in business figures linked to a human‑trafficking case, a resigning INEM training director earning €5,700 while working remotely, and the ongoing hardship in Amor, Leiria, where residents describe daily struggle after the storms.
Farmers report many pigs are starving and dying after Storm Kristin, which caused severe damage to farms and disrupted feed supplies, leaving the pig sector in crisis.
Casa do Azeite warns that the EU–India deal could reduce costs or trade barriers, making Portuguese olive oil more affordable and easier to obtain for consumers.
The slowdown in food prices more than compensated for the smaller decline in energy prices, according to estimates from the National Institute of Statistics for the first month of the year.
Measure to restore productive potential available for investments between €5,000 and €400,000.
A basket of 63 essential items has reached its highest value in four years.
Eggs have become more popular at breakfast and as snacks, but their price is no longer light. In Portugal, a half-dozen eggs now costs 32% more than a year ago. The reasons range from the conflict in Ukraine to avian influenza.
A call to slow or limit Mercosur integration to protect domestic production and small-scale family farms.
DECO reports the largest increase in the cost of a typical food basket, indicating a significant rise in grocery prices.
Portuguese families are feeling the squeeze at the checkout like never before. According to consumer watchdog DECO PROteste, the basic food basket has surged to €249.09 in Portugal, the highest The post “Most expensive ever”: Food basket price reaches four-year high appeared first on Portugal Resident.
A rundown of the goods and services that have seen the largest price increases in Portugal — including rents, holiday costs, jewellery, meat, coffee and restaurant prices.
According to INE, the stability of inflation in 2025 was mainly due to lower energy prices and a slowdown in core inflation.
The FAO food price index, which measures the monthly movement of a basket of traded products, stood at 124.3 points in December, 2.3% lower than in the previous month.
Global food prices recorded an average increase of 4.3% in 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced today.
EU countries provisionally approved on Friday the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur (Southern Common Market) - it is the largest trade deal ever signed by Brussels in terms of tariff reductions. This will affect our lives, but it is creating controversy in some countries, notably France.
EU farmers will have at their disposal €293.7 billion reserved in the next multiannual financial framework 2028–2034, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured on Tuesday. In a letter sent to Cypriot Prime Minister Nikos Christodoulides, who holds the six-month presidency of the EU Council, and ...
2026, as always, brings the customary price increases for goods and services.
