Just when utility service users are getting used to the last cost increment in their domestic electricity bills, the Central Government announced that as of the 1st of July, it would go up a further 3.95%. And for natural gas users who might be sniggering, that’s gone up, too, so there.

Twenty-million, domestic consumers and small businesses around the country are now struggling with a total 7% increase after the April price rise. City dwellers, where gas is piped into their homes are facing a 2.26% increase, on top of the 5% rise in April, and all of us merry butano bottle users are cheerfully paying over 16 euros a bottle.

Whilst, admittedly, compared to UK prices, for instance, it doesn’t seem a lot, but for the average Spaniard who has watched, mouth agape, the price of carbon-fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel and butane, sky rocket in the last few years, it is a complete disaster because salaries have not increased in any proportional sense during this time – Spaniards are paying close to Northern European prices on their Southern European salaries – that is the problem.

What is hard to swallow for the average man on the street is that the street prices for these carbon-fossil fuels constantly rise even when the price of the product on the international market continues to drop.

And all the time, although the Government might lament the increase, it does not offset the rise by charging less tax; quite the opposite; they watch the tax earnings rise.

With the Governments semi-announced rise in IVA just around the corner, we can only wait, resignedly, for the next body blow.

(News: Spain)