Spain's CNMC to monitor food prices amid energy crisis

The Spanish government has tasked the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) with conducting an exhaustive monitoring of food prices in supermarkets. This measure, part of a new anti-crisis shield approved in late September 2026, aims to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on consumers.

Economic officials warn that the energy shock caused by hostilities in the Middle East may take eight to twelve months to fully reflect in consumer food prices. This delay is attributed to the time required for increased costs in fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and transport to move through the supply chain.

In a related development regarding energy costs, the CNMC reported that 1,674 gas stations—approximately 13.36% of the national network—failed to notify the Ministry for Ecological Transition of their prices during August. This non-compliance occurred during a period of significant fuel price escalation driven by international tensions and rising oil prices.