Ara.cat reported that the increase marked the highest cost-of-living increase since February 2023, outpacing September's rate by three tenths of a point.
Prices climbed 0.7 percent from September to October. That monthly change more than doubled the 0.3 percent tick recorded between August and September.
Across all of Spain, the consumer price index climbed 4.9 percent in October from a year earlier. The national statistical agency confirmed that the annual rate matched September’s pace.
Persian Gulf conflict pushes energy costs higher
The acceleration stems from rising energy costs tied directly to the war in the Persian Gulf. United States and Israeli military strikes against Iran, alongside Iranian attacks on neighboring petroleum facilities, drove hydrocarbon prices upward.
The Iranian government has kept the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed since March. Before the conflict, that maritime corridor carried 20 percent of global petroleum exports.
Fuel price drops fail to relieve family budgets
The jump in inflation persisted despite a recent slowdown in fuel prices at the pump over preceding weeks. Families continued facing steeper bills for everyday household goods and essential services.
Monthly price growth accelerated across nearly all consumer categories tracked by the statistical office. Food and basic utility expenditures contributed heavily to the higher index reading.
Spain tracks tens of thousands of pricing points
The agency tracks tens of thousands of pricing points across Spain to measure monthly cost changes.
Catalonia’s 4.8 percent annual inflation rate outpaced several other regional averages reported in the same dataset. Statisticians will publish November price evaluations on the scheduled national release date.
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