Since 2015, the cost of a typical grocery basket for Portuguese consumers has risen by almost a quarter. Fresh food items have increased by more than forty percent, roughly twice the rate of overall inflation. The steep price growth has hit low‑income households hardest. Analysts note that the upward trend has strained family budgets across the country. Early signs of price moderation have appeared at the start of the year. Officials caution that the slowdown may only be temporary.