Set maximum prices for basic foodstuffs, the most demanded option by Spanish consumers to the government

A survey conducted by FACUA-Consumers in Action reveals that the option most demanded by consumers to address the problem of high prices in basic food products is to impose maximum prices.

When asked what measure do you think the government would most benefit consumers in the face of food price rises?, 34.5% of those surveyed chose this option, well ahead of the rest.

Thus, the proposal to lower VAT on basic foodstuffs is 8 points behind, with 26.5% of users believing it would be the most effective.

Further behind is the option of taxing large companies for their extraordinary profits, chosen by 22.4% of those surveyed: 15.8% referring to large retail chains and 6.6% to food brands.

On the other hand, only 8.7% of consumers who participated in the survey opted for giving a check to low-income families as the most beneficial measure in the face of rising food prices.

The survey, in which 4,963 consumers from all over Spain participated, was carried out by FACUA between December 13 and 22.

Contemplated in the Law of Commerce

In light of these results, FACUA recalls that the Trade Act allows the Government to apply maximum prices to basic foodstuffs to avoid speculation and harm to consumers. A measure that the association has been demanding for months.

Thus, Article 13, on the freedom of prices, states that "the State Government, after hearing the affected sectors, may set prices or marketing margins for certain products, as well as subject their modifications to control or prior administrative authorization".

This power is provided for in several cases, among them "in the case of products of prime necessity or strategic raw materials" and "exceptionally and while the circumstances that make intervention advisable persist, when, in a given sector, the absence of effective competition is appreciated".