ABC España reports that potatoes—one of the household staples—are becoming smaller and more expensive, with the harvest now wrapping up. Production of the tuber has dropped by 8% to 10%, according to forecasts from Fepex. A rainy winter at the start of the year and summer heatwaves that came with little break damaged crops.
Growing costs have added to the strain. Energy prices climbed steadily because of the war in Iran, while fertilizers also became more expensive. ABC España described the combination as an "explosive cocktail" of conditions that hit the land directly this year.
The report notes that potato prices have risen 41% over the past four years. Consumers are expected to bear the cost of these pressures in the coming months, ABC España says.
